BOUNDARY COUNTY
Public Information

Once again it is that time of year when reasonable people jump into the freezing waters of the Kootenai River for a very very good cause. The Penguin Plunge is an annual event raising funds for Special Olympics.
Special Olympics is the nonprofit organization that provides training and athletic competitions year round, free of charge to all with intellectual disabilities throughout the State.
This year’s jump will be March 9th at the Waterways Building just west of the Fairgrounds and the Pirates will abound. Watch out for cannon fire from the Pirate ship normally on Lake Pend Oreille, plying the waters of the Kootenai River looking for treasure and plunder while watching all those jumpers, especially those who may walk the plank!
Pirates of all flavors will attend with costumes impressing our fabulous list of judges for various prizes and honors.
This is the year to participate in the fun as a jumper or spectator, it is a blast! The secret planning group has many opportunities planned for fun.
North Idaho Spas is providing the smoldering hot volcano for pirates to throw themselves into after the cold water. Food, fun and hot drinks (grog) will be provided by various groups including Helping Hands of Naples.
The Sheriff’s Safety Boat with a salty crew will be stationed to help if needed and Search and Rescue Divers in case someone finds a chest of sunken treasure.
Since 1981 law enforcement officers from around the world have helped raise awareness and funds to support Special Olympics through events like this Penguin Plunge “freezing for a reason”. Since 1981 law enforcement officers have raised over $600 million dollars to help the Special Olympic Athletes and are considered the “Guardians of the Flame” for the Athletes.
All doubloons raised from this event will go directly to Special Olympics Idaho. We hope you land lubbers start practicing your pirate talk, and plan to participate as a team or individual for a chance to win some great prizes for best costume, team spirit, individual spirit, judges’ choice and most money raised.
So pack up your cutlass and marlin spike and head to the Penguin plunge all you pirates on March 9th for more fun than should be allowed. Registration starts at 11AM and the big jump starts at noon.