While bragging rights are a nice payoff for a daring dip into Maine’s frigid waters on the first day of the New Year, it is a community cause, paired with recognition of a local hero, that draws people brave enough to take the Boothbay Region YMCA’s annual Penguin Plunge.

The plunge at the Murray Hill Boat Launch in East Boothbay marked the event’s 15th year of raising funds for the Y’s free second grade Water Safety Program.

This year’s event was held in recognition of Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch, for his commitment and leadership in combating the peninsula’s growing rate of opioid abuse and other addictions.

Hasch did not rest on his laurels. He made time for the requisite photo ops, and then, like a true leader, he walked his walk, adjusted his swim goggles and, in true quarterback fashion, pumped up about 25 other participants and ran, rather quickly, into, and out of, the icy water.

There could have been worse conditions such as sleet, a blizzard or sub-zero temps. The ocean was 45 degrees; the morning was temperate, sunny and wind-free. But odds are that even if the event had been beset with a blizzard, most of the penguin wannabes and their supporters would have shown up anyway — a perfect example of community in action. 

Thankfully, as Boothbay Fire Chief Dickie Spofford observed, “It’s the fastest event ever.”