Dear Editor:

The 16th annual Boothbay Region YMCA Penguin Plunge will go down in history as the “Coldest One Ever!”  There were eight very hardy, brave souls, (maybe better described as crazy), who did the full plunge by running into the very icy waters of Linekin Bay.

Ten others did the partial plunge, by placing a hand or foot in the water.  All raised money to support the YMCA’s Aquatic Program, which provide free swim lessons for all second grade students in our Boothbay area schools.

Special thanks go out Boothbay Fire Chief Dick Spoffard and his crew, who besides having their rescue vehicle available, also sanded the icy start area and provided a firefighter in a dry suit in the water for added safety. Additionally, Boothbay Region Ambulance for sending a manned unit, which thankfully did not have to assist any plungers.

Thanks to Kevin Burnham of the Boothbay Register for covering the event, especially for a last minute article about the “Hand/Foot Rule.”  To Rusty Court, who supplied photos after Kevin’s camera froze, (to let you know how cold it was, Kevin shared this was the first time in his career that this ever happened).

We would like to express our appreciation to Knickerbocker Group for their continued sponsorship of this event and Harbor Embroidery for the great winter caps they supplied.

Speaking of these nice warm caps, you can still show your support for the Penguin Plunge by purchasing one of these for $25 at the Y front desk.

Thanks to all involved and can’t wait to see you at Penguin Plunge 2019 (which we know has to be a warmer day).

Larry Brown and Daniel Parrott

Co-directors Penguin Plunge