SEA ISLE CITY – Due to a major construction project taking place on the promenade at JFK Boulevard and nearby Excursion Park, Sea Isle City’s 17th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on February 19 is being relocated to the 40th Street Beach, which is slightly north of the plunge’s traditional location on the JFK Boulevard Beach.

The construction project at JFK Boulevard began in the Fall as part of Sea Isle City’s ongoing Beach to Bay Project, which will result in the completion of a modern entertainment complex and band shell prior to the 2011 summer season.

Regardless of the construction, all other plunge-related events will take place as planned. Other than the plunge itself, most activities, including the Polar Bear King & Queen/Prince & Princess contests on Friday evening and the annual pre-plunge costume contest on Saturday, will take place under the Family Tent at LaCosta Lounge, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue.

There will also be a Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism on Sunday morning, and vendors will be selling food and other items everyday during “Plunge Weekend.”

According to Sea Isle City Police Chief Thomas D’Intino, the minor change in the plunge’s location will not detract from the event in any way.

“The ramps north of JFK Boulevard will adequately serve the purpose of safely getting plungers onto the 40th Street Beach from the downtown area,” said D’Intino.

“As is always the case, safety is an important factor during this event,” added the chief. “A coast guard rescue boat and a New Jersey State Police Marine Division vessel will be in the ocean on Saturday during the plunge, and the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol will be on jet skis and watching from the sand.

Members of the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Department’s Cold Water Rescue Team will also be on the beach, and the Cape May County Sheriffs Department and the State Police will assist the SICPD with traffic control.”

For additional information about Sea Isle City’s 17th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, visit www.seaislecitynj.us or phone (609) 263-TOUR.