Icy Hudson off limits: Polar plungers get sprayed with firehose for Ossining charity
While the modified event avoided a full plunge, the challenge remained real. Those who took part — along with medical professionals on site — acknowledged the risks posed by the extreme cold.
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An Arctic blast may have canceled many weekend plans, but it didn’t stop a long-running charity tradition in Ossining.
The Gulotta House adjusted its annual Polar Plunge this year, opting for a safer alternative as frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills moved in. Instead of jumping into icy water, participants were sprayed down with water from a local fire department hose.
While the modified event avoided a full plunge, the challenge remained real. Those who took part — along with medical professionals on site — acknowledged the risks posed by the extreme cold.
First-time participant Leah C. admitted the conditions were intimidating.
“A little bit, yes,” she said. “Just the first time doing this — it’s freezing out.”
Dr. Brandon Erickson of Phelps Hospital explained that sudden exposure to cold can trigger a dangerous cold shock response.
“When someone goes into extremely cold water, it can cause rapid breathing and loss of control,” Erickson said. “From a safety perspective, getting sprayed with a hose is certainly safer than diving into a cold river today.”
Afterward, participants were quickly warmed with pizza, hot chocolate, and blankets — keeping spirits high while supporting a good cause.
