KENNEBUNK — They call the Atlantic Plunge “Freezin’ for a Reason,” and that sentiment is expected to play out in earnest on Wednesday morning.
Air temperatures for the Atlantic Plunge, which takes place at 11 a.m. New Year’s Day, are expected to reach a bone-chilling high of 15 degrees.
The water temperature at the location for the event, Mother’s Beach, was unavailable, but the water temperature this morning in Portland was 42.8 degrees, while it was 36.9 degrees in Boston, according to weather buoy information transmitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at 6:50 a.m.
Which means, of course, that the water will be warmer than the air, perhaps making for a little sea smoke on the water.
But cold or not ”“ and there have been years when it was bitter at the beach and years when it was milder ”“ those who show up to run into the ocean don’t seem to mind reasoning their efforts, and the money pledged goes toward a good cause: Caring Unlimited, a domestic violence resource center.
Traditionally, about 100 people show up for the Atlantic Plunge, said Caring Unlimited spokeswoman Emily Gormley.
While the plunge has taken place in other areas of Kennebunk Beach, this year it will be at Mother’s Beach, which is near the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association playground.
Among those doing their bit to help the agency this year is Emily Gajewski, who works at Biddeford Savings Bank. Gajewski, who was part of the bank’s team for the 2012 plunge, is so enthused about the annual event she decided to head up the bank’s team this year.
“It’s definitely an adrenaline rush,” said Gajewski of the News Year’s Day dip, in a prior interview. “It’s cold, but it’s nice to see all these people willing to do it to help an agency like Caring Unlimited, which does such great things to help our community.”
Registration is $25, and those who haven’t registered online at www.caring-unlimited.org, may do so at Mother’s Beach beginning at 10:30 a.m. New Year’s Day.
The Atlantic Plunge has grown to become a sustaining source for the programs and services offered by Caring Unlimited, said Gormley.
This year marks the 13th annual Atlantic Plunge.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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