Watertown Gears Up for "Super" Polar Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Local law enforcement and community members are preparing to brave the icy waters of Lake Kampeska for the annual Watertown Polar Plunge, a signature fundraising event for Special Olympics South Dakota.

Steve Rehorst, a longtime advocate and 21-year veteran of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, recently joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss the upcoming event. Rehorst, who helped launch the Watertown plunge in 2010, emphasized that the movement has grown from grassroots beginnings into a worldwide effort that has raised over a billion dollars for Special Olympics athletes.

“It’s about inclusiveness and just including everyone,” Rehorst said, noting that the funds support year-round activities for approximately 3,000 athletes across the state. These activities include unified sports, health and wellness checks, and major competitions like the state summer games.

Event Details and “Super” Theme

This year’s plunge features a “Superheroes and Villains” theme. Organizers are encouraging participants to form teams and come dressed in creative costumes. Rehorst himself revealed he is working on a Superman-inspired outfit for his plunge.

·        Date: February 7, 2026

·        Registration: 11:30 a.m. at the Sandbar

·        Plunge Time: 2:00 p.m. at City Park

·        Registration Site: sosd.org

The registration fee is $100 for adults and $50 for students, which includes an official plunge t-shirt. To further incentivize student participation, every 25 local students who plunge are entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship.

Community Support and Safety

The event is a genuine community effort, with Watertown Fire Rescue, the National Guard, and local businesses providing essential support. The National Guard will set up warming and changing tents, while Home Oasis will offer hot tubs to participants to use immediately after their plunge. Watertown Fire Rescue will also be on-site to ensure the safety of all participants.

“I’ve lived in Watertown now for 23 years, and how amazing the community is, they come together,” Rehorst said. “Whether it’s Dive Rescue or Performance Towing... they just do it. We live in a great town.”

While current temperatures have been frigid, Rehorst remained optimistic, joking that “the water’s warmer than the air temperature.” He encouraged everyone to be bold and take the plunge for a great cause.