Every New Year's Day, members of the community gatherat Murray Hill's Boat Launch in East Boothbay for the Y’s traditional “Penguin Plunge.”  It’s the 22nd year of this fun tradition to “dip” and help support the Y’s Aquatics Department. Donations underwrite swim lessons, swim team scholarships, safety equipment purchases, and new classes and programs.

It is also an opportunity to honor those who have had an impact in the Y community during the previous year.  On January 1, the Y will honor the “Sauna Boys” as the 2024 outstanding community member group.  The “Boys;” Jim Jellison, Sal Martti, Andy Cozzi, Curt Crosby, Richard Taylor and Don Earle will have the distinction of starting the plunge with a countdown.  

The event takes place at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Murray Hill in East Boothbay.

Registration and pledge forms are available at the Y’s Membership Desk and online at www.boothbayregionymca.org and at the plunge itself.  The registration fee is $25 and you can make an additional voluntary donation as well. 

The Boothbay Region YMCA is grateful to the Knickerbocker Group, Whales Tale Restaurant and Southport’s “Little Dippers” for their sponsorship and support of the Penguin Plunge.  The Y sends a special shout-out to long-term passionate Penguin Plunge volunteer, Larry Brown, for his leadership as event co-director alongside the Y’s Aquatics Director, David Washburn.  For more information, contact David at (207) 633-2855 or at dwashburn@brymca.org.

Get your name on the Y’s penguin mascot for posterity and come on in and take the plunge!