Twenty-one Boothbay Region residents took the Penguin Plunge on New Year’s Day. The participants swam in the frosty, mid-winter ocean water off the Murray Hill boat ramp. This was the 14th time the Y hosted the annual event.

The participants all gladly paid the $25 entry fee and traded their winter clothing for a bathing suit to raise money for the Y’s second grade swim program.

Fourteen years ago, Boothbay Harbor police officer Larry Brown participated in the first Penguin Plunge. He said the excursion into the frigid ocean water is less difficult each year.

“I think the anticipation is the worst part,” Brown said. “Once you do it the first time, it becomes easier every year,” he said.

Brown has taken the Penguin Plunge 13 times.

“I missed last year because I was on duty. So I made the rule that you could put in at least a body part. And that’s what I did last year. I stuck my hand in, so technically, I’ve participated every year,” he said.

Brown is not only a participant, he is also the event’s co-chairman. He, along with BRYMCA Aquatics Director Shane Pennington, organized the 14th Penguin Plunge. Brown described the icy ocean water as being a unique experience.

“It feels like pins and needles hitting your body,” he said. “The first year was the toughest one, after that, it wasn't that bad. It’s like other things in life: the anticipation is usually more difficult than the actual thing.”

Besides the New Year’s Day swim, another BRYMCA tradition is honoring a long-time Y member prior to the swim. This year, the BRYMCA honored 93-year-old Maxine Tourtillotte. She usually attends the plunge, but couldn’t this year, according to granddaughter Megan Chryplewicz.

“She loves the Y,” said Chryplewicz. “She became a Y member when it first started. She swam every week until recently before her operation.”

Chryplewicz and her two sons served as the event’s honorary starters.

The Penguin Plunge raised $740 through registration fees and donations for the second grade swim program.