PORTAGE LAKES -- Cold water can't scare these folks away.

Officials with the 10th annual Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump say 498 people have pre-registered to plunge their bodies into frigid waters this Saturday (Feb. 16).

The high temperature that day is forecasted to be a bone-chilling 25 degrees.

Photos: Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump 2012

The teeth-chattering is done to raise money for charity, with benefits this year going to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

To date, the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump has raised nearly $300,000 for various charities since it started in 2004. In 2012 alone, hundreds of brave jumpers raised more than $85,000.

If you missed the pre-registration deadline and still want to participate, there will be day-of registration held at the event's location (Portage Lakes State Park swim beach: 5031 Manchester Rd. in Akron) starting at noon.

All registered participants should arrive for the jump by noon with the plunge splashing into action at 2 p.m. Participants under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian present with identification to sign a waiver.

2013 Jumper Packet

If you don't want to brave the teeth-chattering challenge, you can still donate to the charity as somebody who is self-admittedly "Too chicken to jump."

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Above video is from the 2012 Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump

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