The City of Philadelphia is calling on residents to do their civic duty by jumping into a frigid pool in February.
Philly Phreeze is set to return to Kelly Pool next month after a successful inaugural run last year. The polar plunge raises money for aquatics programming and lifeguard recruitment to ensure that public pools can open in the summer.
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Staffing shortages were so pervasive in 2022 that 21 of the city's 74 pools remained closed through the season, and at least one 70-year-old grandmother returned to the lifeguard chair. To entice more employees, the city began offering $1,000 bonuses last year — funded in part through the Philly Phreeze.
Roughly 150 people participated in the first Philly Phreeze, which raised $70,000 last winter. The city's fundraising goal for 2024 is $125,000 to support the hiring of 400 lifeguards. Donations totaled just under $2,000 Friday morning.
Anyone hoping to take the plunge Feb. 24 must raise at least $50 to participate. All divers will receive a T-shirt, but those who hit $100 or $250 will earn additional swag, including hats, beach towels and blankets.
Philly Phreeze
Saturday, Feb. 24 | 12-2 p.m.
Kelly Pool
4231 Lansdowne Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131
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