The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

The Polar Bear Plunge

Photo Credit: Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

A Polar Bear Plunge is an event during the winter in which participants submerge themselves in almost freezing natural bodies of water. In the United States, the Polar Bear Plunge is an event that is usually held to help raise money for a charity of some kind. The biggest in the United States and is called Plungapalooza and all of the proceeds go to the Special Olympics.

In 2007, the plunge raised over $2.2 million for their cause. However, although it is for charity, there are serious health risks involved with submerging your body in water that cold. Depending on the individual, it can lead to shock, hypothermia, paralysis and even death in some circumstances.