WE ARE ON for the 2026 Maryland Cool Schools Plunge today, Thursday 2/5, and PlungeFest is FULLY on. See you at Sandy Point State Park, plungers! Reminder that we will be having a modified Plunge experience this year.

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Cool Schools Plunge Rescheduled
Due to severe weather conditions, we, along with our partners at Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, and Sandy Point State Park, made the decision to prioritize the safety of all participants, volunteers, athletes, and staff by rescheduling the 2026 Cool Schools Plunges. 

The adjusted schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday 2/4 – Maryland Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm)
• Thursday 2/5 – Anne Arundel Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm)

We understand that the opening and closing status of our attending school systems will impact our event. We will continue to monitor the weather and park conditions to ensure the safety of our Plunge community. Any changes to the Wednesday or Thursday Cool Schools Plunge events will be posted to social media (Facebook, X, Instagram) by 7:30am the morning of the event.

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Cool Schools PlungeFest is ON!
Over the last week, we were able to work diligently to reschedule our vendors, and Plungefest activities are ON!! Please feel free to have your students hang out in the Plungefest before or after plunging. Scheduled activities include:

• Visit food and beverage vendors for purchase, including Auntie Anne’s, Deli-ish, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Slice is Right Pizza, Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck, and more.
• Visit the Merchandise tent
• Enjoy entertainment around the outdoor Plungefest Stage
• Enjoy the DJs in the heated Rams Head tent.

    What will NOT be offered at Plungefest:

• Unfortunately, with the rescheduled event, we are unable to offer free lunches. Please have students who are not planning on purchasing food bring a lunch if needed.

See more details here!

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Modified Plunge Experience
Our 30th anniversary of the Plunge will be historic. Because of the frigid air and water temperatures, we will have a modified Plunge experience at all 2026 Plunges. 

What this means:

• Plungers will only go in up to their knees. Plungers may not dip underwater.
• Footwear is VERY STRONGLY recommended (water shoes, sand socks, tennis shoes)
• To maintain your core body temperature, wear warm layers
• Wear a towel around your neck so you can quickly dry off
• Plungers will be staged in the changing tents until it is time to Plunge
• We will not have the traditional countdown from the Beach Stage and run into the water
• Get in and out of the water as fast as possible
• Once you take your knee-dip plunge, head back into the changing tents to dry your feet off quickly and put on dry socks and shoes
• Leave the changing tent and head back to Rams Head Ice Lodge to warm up and rock out
• Please follow the direction of our Plunge Team on the beach and in the Plunge Zone!

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Spectators
There will be a small spectator area near the Beach Stage for spectators to watch the Plunge. Spectators will not be allowed close to the shoreline as they have in years past. Our official Plunge photographers, videographers, and media team will be in the Plunge Zone capturing all of the action at the shoreline.

All spectators MUST fill out our Spectator Waiver to enter the Plunge Zone.