YES! We “swim on January 1st! Join the thousands of Rhode Islanders who take to the water on New Year’s Day! Swimming optional — it’s a great high energy spectator sport and fun, fun, fun!
For forty years Rhode Islanders and visitors from Connecticut and Massachusetts have started their New Year off by participating in local Penguin or Polar Plunges. All plunges are fundraisers for local charities and each brings their own sense of style and fun to the event. Each person plunges for their own reason. Many annually as a way to bring in the new year with a fresh start. Some in memory or honor of another. Some to cross it off their bucket list. Whatever the reason the sense of accomplishment after hurling yourself into the cold ocean against all natural instincts is real. The exhilaration is contagious, and you may find that you have created a new tradition for yourself. Choose a beach or charity, find a costume or not, but if you plunge, water shoes are highly recommended!
Annual Penguin Plunge at Roger Wheeler State Beach
The Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics is one of the original New Year’s Day Plunges in Rhode Island and has been a tradition for many of the plungers that is shared from generation to generation. It’s the largest and oldest grassroots fundraiser, where all participants raise fund to run (Plunge) into the chilly waters at Roger Wheeler State Beach. Participation in this event provides funding to support Special Olympics RI.
It’s the largest and oldest grassroots fundraiser, where all participants raise fund to run (Plunge) into the chilly waters at Roger Wheeler State Beach. Over the past 43 years, this event has raised over $3.5 million.
Narragansett Lions Club Pier Plunge
The Narragansett Lions Club has organized the Pier Plunge at Narragansett Town Beach on New Year’s Day since 2007. All proceeds will benefit Narragansett Lions Club charities.
Also prizes for the Best Costumes in multiple age categories.
9th Annual 2020 RICan & Ocean House Marina Polar Plunge!
Start the year off freezing for a reason! All proceeds from this event go directly to assisting local families in need through the Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need. There is another great line up to kick off the year and make this event a great day. Mee at Charlestown Beach, Rhode Island by 11:30 for registration with the plunge scheduled for 12 noon sharp! Immediately after the splash, head to the The Breachway Grill where Craig Marr and his amazing staff will warm us up with great grub and thirst quenching libations.
WARM Center's 14th Annual Penguin Plunge
Spend New Year’s day at Misquamicut Beach as the Windjammer Surf Bar opens up to host the WARM Center Penguin Plunge. Hot soup and drinks will be provided after the plunge, prizes for top fundraisers, costumes welcome, water shoes highly recommended!
