The event will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Blue Marsh Lake, Dry Brooks Day Use Area. Check-in will begin at 10 AM and the plunge start at approximately 11 AM. The award ceremony and refreshments will immediately follow.

Yes. All participants must register online prior to the event. Online registration allows us to ensure a safe, organized plunge, collect required waivers, track participants accurately, and provide event updates if needed leading up to Marsh Madness. Registration is free, and all participants are encouraged to raise funds to support kids in our community. Click here to register.

Some years are colder than others, but Marsh Madness is always entertaining. We’ve plunged through rain, snow, and even years when ice needed to be cut on the lake. Plunge Day is held rain, snow, or shine, and conditions are carefully managed in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, Blue Marsh Rangers, the Scuba Team, and local fire officials to ensure a safe and organized event. Whether you go ankle-deep or all in, there is always sufficient space for all plungers to participate at the (sometimes frozen) beach.

There is no minimum age to participate. However, all participants, including minors, must be registered online prior to the event and have a completed waiver on file. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the day of the plunge.

Yes. Athletic teams, church groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate. Each participant must register online individually prior to the event, even if they are part of a team. Community service hours may be awarded if requested by a participating school.

Bathing suits, clothes, water shoes or old sneakers, and costumes are welcome. Many plungers wear creative or themed costumes, and awards are given for standout individual and team costumes. Wet suits are not permitted. Participants should also bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the plunge. Shoes are permitted in the water.

It is up to the participant as to how far they go in the water. Many of our plungers only go ankle-deep, although some of our plungers go completely underwater. There is no requirement that you must go underwater. The lake is gradually sloped so it is up to the plunger how far out into the lake they proceed. Scuba team members will be in the water and will not permit you to go out too far.

Yes. There are several port-a-potties located in the parking lot.

You may bring a bag to put your belongings in to keep near the beach, or you can keep your belongings in your car. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is not responsible for lost or missing items.

After the plunge, a post-event celebration party will be held. We will offer free food and drinks for all participants and spectators. The awards will be given out at approximately 12 PM.

Participants who meet fundraising milestones may receive event incentives like t-shirts and beach towels. Additional awards are given for standout costumes, top fundraising efforts, team participation, and YMCA branch spirit.

All funds raised through sponsorships and donations support the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s financial assistance programs, ensuring children and families across our community can access memberships, youth programs, swim lessons, and summer camp regardless of ability to pay.

Please email Kris Danner at [email protected]. We encourage participants to review the event details and complete online registration prior to reaching out.