Braidwood Rec Club

Costumes, Courage and Cold Water

Published by admin on Tue, 03/17/2026 - 4:24pm

With cheers from the shoreline and laughter echoing across the lake, hundreds of brave participants plunged into 39-degree water Saturday during the 5th annual Polar Plunge at the Braidwood Recreation Club.
The event drew about 700 participants, all willing to trade warm jackets for swimsuits, costumes and a quick shock of icy water to support Special Olympics Illinois. By the end of the day, the plunge raised more than $200,000 — a record total for the Braidwood event.

Taking the plunge in Braidwood to raise $97,676

Published by admin on Tue, 03/15/2022 - 5:39pm

Who knew Braidwood firefighters were such a fun-loving group?

A handful of firefighters, including chief Christopher Jude and deputy chief Mike Pemble, dressed in turnout gear, stepped up Saturday to take their turn during the Polar Plunge on the beach at Braidwood Recreation Club.

While their team was being announced they stopped at the water’s edge to strip off bunk coats, pants, helmets and boots, revealing flower-colored swim trunks and knee-length socks.