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Polar Plunge At Westport's Compo Beach Makes A Big Splash For Charities

WESTPORT, Conn. — Nearly 50 excited swimmers gathered on Westport's Compo Beach on New Year's Day, ready to plunge in the freezing waters of Long Island Sound — and all for a good cause.

Plungers head for Long Island Sound for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Plungers head for Long Island Sound for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Participants of all ages take part in the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Participants of all ages take part in the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Participants get ready for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Participants get ready for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Participants hit Long Island Sound for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Participants hit Long Island Sound for the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Photo Credit: Contributed
People of all ages take the plunge at the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

People of all ages take the plunge at the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Enjoying the sun after taking the plunge in Westport on New Year's Day.

Enjoying the sun after taking the plunge in Westport on New Year's Day.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Keeping warm after taking the plunge into icy Long Island Sound.

Keeping warm after taking the plunge into icy Long Island Sound.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Keeping warm after taking the plunge into icy Long Island Sound.

Keeping warm after taking the plunge into icy Long Island Sound.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
The crowd gathers on Compo Beach in Westport on New Year's Day

The crowd gathers on Compo Beach in Westport on New Year's Day

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Westport EMS is on the scene — just in case.

Westport EMS is on the scene — just in case.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
All ages take the Polar Plunge for charity in Westport.

All ages take the Polar Plunge for charity in Westport.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Some in the crowd stay bundled up at the Polar Plunge.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
A quiet moment on the beach after the Polar Plunge at Compo.

A quiet moment on the beach after the Polar Plunge at Compo.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Two dogs and a friend enjoy the beach after the Polar Plunge at Compo on New Year's Day.

Two dogs and a friend enjoy the beach after the Polar Plunge at Compo on New Year's Day.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Time for a treat at the Polar Plunge in Westport.

Time for a treat at the Polar Plunge in Westport.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone

This is the 10th year for the Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Plunge, a charity event held by Temple Israel of Westport.

The plunge began promptly at 11 a.m. as the crowd braved the cold, and when it was time, ran into the water and took in the cold splash. Some dove in, some made a small jump and some just walked in a little bit. 

Dogs (with their owners) watched the plunge and then jumped into the water, too. 

And while the participants were freezing, it was well above 32 degrees on the sunny beach as temps soared to near 50. 

"This was such a great opportunity to raise money for the charities, and today we raised nearly $57,000!" said Thomas Patterson, the event's co-founder.

The money raised from the plunge goes to various charities, including Interfaith Housing, Marfan Foundation, Autism Speaks, PanCan, Hole in the Wall Gang, Make a Wish, United Cerebral Palsy, Child Guidance Center, MS, and Homes with Hope. For the event's 10th anniversary, the Plunge also made a donation to Temple Israel's social actions.

“My friends and I always come out each year for the plunge. We challenge each other to raise the most money,” said participant Allen Brand.

The plunge has become a tradition for some families and friends. Some even took their own plunge after the event was over, just to get another cold rush.

“The water was very cold, but it was fun to jump in! We did the plunge with the crowd and then did our own amongst friends afterward,” said Abby Smith, a Westport resident. “Now I’m ready to get warm again."

For more information on the Polar Bear Plunge or to make a donation, click here.

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