It was a day of firsts at Hendricks Head Beach on New Year's Day. Besides being the first day of the year, it was the first time Boothbay Region YMCA held its annual Penguin Plunge in Southport. It was also the first time Danielle Marchand took the annual Jan. 1 plunge. 

Marchand made the 34-mile trip from her home in Chelsea to Hendricks Head Beach to join in the Plunge excitement. Leading up to New Year's Day, Marchand searched for such a local opportunity and found Boothbay Region YMCA's event. "I found it online, and I wanted to find out how I can get involved and meet new people," she said.

What Marchand found out at about 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 1 was what 37F waters feel like. "It was freezing, and quite an adrenaline rush."

After a good dose of reality hit Marchand, she was ready to come back next year. "It was great. Everyone was super pumped up and supporting everyone. It was nice doing this with a great bunch of people," Marchand said.

She was joined by more than 49 others in this year's event. The Penguin Plunge raised money for BRYMCA's Dolphin swim program. For organizers, this year had a strong showing of support and dollars.

"There were over 50 who plunged, and another 40, or so, who watched. We had 26 plungers last year, so that's a great increase. We raised $1,800 which was double of last year's. All in all, a great success," Penguin Plunge co-director Allyson Goodwin said.

Several members of the Little Dippers participated. The Little Dippers began about five years ago beginning with a few members to now with about 30. The Little Dippers take a swim at Hendricks Head Beach every day. Pam Baldwin is one of the Little Dippers who joined the annual Penguin Plunge.

The Y moved this year's event to Southport as a tribute to the Little Dippers. "I swim two to three times a week so, yes, I know what I'm in for, and moving it to Southport was even better. So, I wasn't going to miss it this year," Baldwin said.

In 2003, BRYMCA began the Penguin Plunge to raise money for second grade swim lessons for all children on the peninsula. The plunge now supports the BRYMCA Dolphins' swim team. Participants make a donation to participate in the event.

For others, co-director Larry Brown devised an alternative. "I've either been director or co-director every year. So, I understand that we are all about 25 years older, and taking a plunge in cold waters may not be the best thing. So, this year, we have the kiddie pool for those who still want to participate," he said.

This year's participants received a mug, and a hearty thank-you from BRYMCA.