Swampscott Polar Bear Plunge To Put 2021 On Ice

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — North Shore residents looking to give the past two years of the coronavirus the cold shoulder — while helping to raise money for a good local cause — can take the plunge at the Swampscott Yacht Club on New Year's Day morning.

The 16th Annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the Anchor Food Pantry will be at 11 a.m. sharp with registration at 10:15.

Organizers will attempt to warm up the crowd and participants with a bonfire on the beach and tropical music playing.

Hot cocoa and bagel will be available immediately after folks get out of the freezing water.

The forecast? Not so bad, all things considered.

Forecasts are calling for a chance of rain on Saturday with a high temperature of 46 degrees.

Those attending are asked to raise or donate $25 and to consider bringing a canned good as well.

Registration can be done here.

The first 150 participants to register were to receive a free T-shirt.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)