A group of family members/cousins jump in the water at Fort Phoenix on 1/1/21 even though the annual polar plunge was canceled due to the pandemic. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The annual Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge, usually held on New Year’s day, was canceled due to the pandemic. But that did not stop a handful of hardy souls from jumping into the 45’sh degree water.
Kate Donovan of Freetown and Steve Gleason of Fairhaven said they did not know the plunge had been canceled. They decided to jump in anyway.
“Just to wash off 2020 and start 2021 fresh and clean,” said Mr. Gleason, who has plunged a few times. “It’s been a rough year for everyone.”
Ms. Donovan agreed with the sentiment, saying she was “starting fresh,” for the new year. And, she noted, she was a first time plunger.
“That was unreal,” said Ms. Donovan after the little dip, adding she would “absolutely” do it again.
She said she had heard of polar plunges, but it was never on her “radar.”
L-R, FRONT: Ryder, Jameson, dad/uncle Gary, Slade; L-R, BACK: Lucas, Vance, try to pose for the local free sheet after jumping into the 45’sh degree water at Fort Phoenix on 1/1/21, although the annual polar plunge was canceled due to the pandemic. Photo by Beth David.
“It was cool,” she said, which is fitting because the official t-shirt usually says “Be Cool — Plunge.”
“Refreshing,” said Mr. Gleason. “2020 is out of our system.”
“The feet are the first to go,” said Ms. Perry. “I need to thaw.”
After a minute or two, she decided it was all good.
“As soon as I got my feet warm, the rest of the body followed,” said Ms. Perry. “It feels good.”
A group of cousins decided with their uncle and dad to brave the cold waters.
“I did know [it was canceled], but we still decided we were going to do it no matter what,” said Lucas. “It’s a great way to start 2020.”
The official plunge is free, but the organizers usually sell T-shirts to raise money for scholarships for high school students. They will still be awarding scholarships and are asking for donations. If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to DFS Polar Plunge, 100 Cedar St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
L-R: Kate Donovan, Steve Gleason, and Jean Perry react to the cold water as they head back from their plunge into the 45’sh degree water at Fort Phoenix on 1/1/21 even though the annual polar plunge was canceled due to the pandemic. Photo by Beth David.
L-R: Kate Donovan, Steve Gleason, and Jean Perry react to the cold water as they head back from their plunge into the 45’sh degree water at Fort Phoenix on 1/1/21 even though the annual polar plunge was canceled due to the pandemic. Photo by Beth David.
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