PORT JERVIS – Nearly 100 swimmers took ‘the plunge’ on Saturday morning, immersing themselves to their own levels of comfort in the 41-degree Delaware River at West End Beach. Port Jervis Recreation Director John Faggione, whose department co-hosts the event with Port Jervis Fire Department, said many were repeat supporters, others first-timers.
Faggione expressed his gratitude those who helped and supported the seventh annual Port Jervis ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ Polar Plunge. He said 64 participants had pre-registered for the event, and another 25-plus registered in person before the 9 a.m. start time.
With two lines of supporters formed to cheer them on, individual participants and groups walked or ran between the rows to enter a chilly, but safely prepared, section of the Delaware River.
PJFD Chief Anthony Fuller said PJFD’s Water Operations Team had previously cut and removed a section of ice from the river, and then checked for any safety concerns in the area. Certified water operations team members were stationed in the water, while other firefighters helped with keeping everything safe in and out of the water. This included those who maintained two separate fire pit areas, others who set up warming/changing tents, and some who helped register and check in participants.
Fuller said the department is grateful for the funds raised, which will help with equipment and clothing for the members.
One group of 2026 participants, all dressed in red bathing suits, were part of a large group that meets every weekend for cold water swims. From Sandyston, NJ, the all-female Plunge Club group remained in the water for a longer period of time, as others entered and left.
Several of this year’s participants have taken part in all seven PJ Polar Plunge events.
One, Chip Estenes, was dressed as a crab this year and carried a sign informing about life as a crustacean. He had a personal first this year, entering the water for a second time. He deemed the second time easier, noting it was only his toes that felt cold as he continued to enjoy time on the beach.
“Who wouldn’t want to come back?” Estenes asked. “Our firefighters are fabulous. I pray to God for their safety. They do the hard part all year long. My part is the easy part. And just like ‘fundraiser’ starts with ‘fun’ – this is fun and recreational.”
Another seven-time participant, Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer, is himself a firefighter and water operations team member. He took the plunge this year with other firefighters from his Matamoras Fire Department, and with one of the youngest participants in the event – his six-year-old daughter Lililana. Like the PJ Water Operations Team the Polar Plunge benefits, Homer and others in his department respond throughout each year for water related emergencies.
Like others who have participated every year, Noelene Tomasi says she wouldn’t want to miss this event. In fact, she scheduled a trip to her country of birth – Ireland – around this year’s event.
“I’m going home to see my mom next week, instead of this week,” she said.
PJFD Firefighter and Water Operations Team officer Tim Simmons has chaired the Polar Plunge annually. He is always grateful for the support, and enjoys seeing people have fun with this event.
“It looks like we had 89 people do the plunge. Good turnout and good weather,” Simmons said.
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