Brave souls are invited to plunge into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Murray Hill in East Boothbay on New Year’s Day. 2017 marks the 15th annual Penguin Plunge, which benefits the Boothbay Region YMCA’s free water safety programs. The YMCA provides swimming and water safety instruction to all second grade students in partnership with the schools.

This year, the Penguin Plunge is in recognition of Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch for his tireless work to make our community a better place, especially through supporting those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The plunge will take place at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Murray Hill in East Boothbay. Registration and pledge forms are available now at the Y’s Membership Desk and online at www.boothbayregionymca.org. There are three participation options: pay a $25 registration fee and plunge, collect over $50 in pledges and plunge, or collect over $50 in pledges and don’t plunge!

Participants can register at Murray Hill on the morning of the event as well. All participants will receive a warm winter hat to commemorate the event.

The Boothbay Region YMCA is thankful to the Knickerbocker Group for their sponsorship and support of the Penguin Plunge, and to Larry Brown for his volunteer leadership as event co-director alongside the Y’s Aquatics Director, Shane Pennington.

For more information, call Larry Brown at 380-9799, call the Y at 633-2855, or visit www.boothbayregionymca.org.