SEA GIRT — The second Annual Sea Girt Patriot Polar Plunge went off as planned Saturday, but exceptionally frigid weather appeared to drive participation well below the 400 registrations. The air temperature was 10 degrees as a brave minority took to the water
State Trooper Marine and Mounted Divisions monitored the swimmers, and a State Trooper helicopter flew overhead.
The Patriot Polar Plunge plunge is in support of Coastal Habitat for Humanity, a local non-profit that builds and repairs homes for people in need in and around southern Monmouth County. Proceeds from the plunge go towards the groups Local Initiative for Troops Fund (LIFT), a program that assists veterans in the area with the renovation and repair of their homes.
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“It’s freezing out here,” said Heather Triarsi, who serves as the Executive Director for Coastal Habitat for Humanity “but, the sacrifice of being out here in the cold and jumping in the ocean, is no comparison to the sacrifices that veterans have made.”
Fortunately, participants were welcomed to a custom hoodie sweatshirt and admission to the plunge’s after-party at Rod’s Tavern, which included a breakfast buffet and a space for everyone to warm up.
The plunge also honored Juan Fajardo, a sergeant in the New Jersey State Police who died in a motorcycle accident in November 2021. Mr. Fajardo was also a lieutenant in the New Jersey National Guard, and was a summer regular at the Sea Girt Army Camp.
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