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Polar Bear Plunge Article and Photos by Barbara Sama AUXPA1
REHOBOTH BEACH , De . was the exciting site of the USCG 5 th Northern Auxiliary ’ s first Public Affair event of 2022 . This event took place on February 6 , 2022 . Coast Guard Auxiliarists from Dover and Smyrna gathered together to provide support for the 31 st annual event of the Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge . The Auxiliary represented 21 of the 80 First responders . Over 2400 participants gathered to raise funds for these extraordinary Olympians . The fundraiser reached their goal of 1 million dollars and was still counting !
Lewis McCullough took the lead and provided outstanding leadership to a successful mission along with Division Commander Tim Prescht ’ s guidance . Flotilla members came from the South Bethany , Lewes , Dover and USCG Station Indian River Station . An additional two members from Newark Flotillas also travelled south to be part of this gathering .
The Auxiliary team ’ s main purpose was to provide a healthy and safe environment . They were divided into 3 zones which provided additional coverage on the beach . Among the many who provided security , were the Mounted Police , EMTs , Divers and Troopers which could be seen keeping a watchful eye . It wasn ’ t hard to spot any Auxiliarists on the beach with their bright orange float coats .
5 th Northern has been supporting this Special Olympics Polar Plunge for over several years . The event itself included two days of demonstrations , food contests , and a 5k run that finished at cold beach for a Polar Plunge !
. Preparing for this event is a monumental task . Special thanks to these following volunteer Auxiliarists : Al Grimminger , John Craig , Cindi Chaimowitz , Steve Straneva , Cate Birk , Marty Schertzer , Peter Urbanowicz , Chick Anderson , Donna Doyle , Frank Cebula , Frank Manning , Ron Latini , George Ruff , Arthur Stewart , Roy Zimmerman , Brendan Freeman , Tim Precht , Ralph Carotenuto , Joe Kulesa , and Mike Maquire .