Updated: Calling All Penguins and Polar Bears

NARRAGANSETT, RI—Most of the events start at noon, but for sleepy polar bears, there's a 1 p.m. plunge at the North Kingstown Town Beach.

Most of them are simple jump in the water and get really cold challenges, but one in East Greenwich adds an extra level of difficulty with an obstacle course.

Plus, Portsmouth's Dive for the Dogs is the only one with a bonfire.

Here's the list. We'll add as more are discovered. (The Patch does not cover Warwick, so those plunges have been omitted.)

Penguin Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA (map)
Description: 2017 Penguin Plunge at Roger Wheeler State Beach. Registration begins at 10 a.m.
Plunge is at 12 noon to benefit Special Olympics.
http://www.specialolympicsri.o...

Polar Bear Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon

Where: Easton's Beach (First Beach)

Description: 2017 Polar Bear Plunge to benefit A Wish Come True, granting wishes for children battling illness. Contact: Rosemary Bowers, 401-624-7673.

Portsmouth Polar Dive: Dive for the Dogs

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon

Where: Seawall, Park Avenue, Island Park

Description: The bonfire will be roaring away by 11 a.m, and there'll be live music. This plunge is the only polar dive with a bonfire, organizers say. It's all to benefit the Portsmouth Dog Park. The after party will be at The Beachcomber, 506 Park Ave., and "there will be a free spread of food put out for everybody." Raffle tickets will be sold to help the dog park buy benches and other amenities. The Portsmouth Business Association, The Portsmouth Dog Park & The Beachcomber are sponsors.

"Please come down and help our town out; you'll have a great time even if you don't jump in."

Tiverton Yacht Club Penguin Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon

Where: Grinnell's Beach

Description: 2017 Penguin Plunge to benefit the Tiverton Public Library. Contact: Greg Jones at jonesgb@cox.net. “Penguins” are encouraged to obtain pledge forms in advance. The pledge form is available by clicking here. All checks may be made payable to Tiverton Library Foundation. Or just come in your bathing suit. Hot coffee & cocoa for plungers will be provided at the beach thanks to Coastal Roasters, and a reception will follow at Lil Bear.

Pier Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon

Where: Narragansett Town Beach, North Pavilion

Description: Proceeds benefit Narragansett Lions Club Charities. Here is the link to the Registration Form.

Frozen Clam Dip and Obstaplunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon (Check in starts at 11 a.m.)

Where: Goddard Memorial State Park Beach, 1095 Ives Road, East Greenwich

Description: The sixth annual event features the world's only New Year's Day Plunge with an obstacle course. Technically, there are two obstacle courses, the half-mile “Obstaplunge” and the one mile “Ultra.” New to this year’s event, the “Nobstaplunge” offers individuals an adventurous start to the New Year with an obstacle course race that ends on dry land. Tickets are $30 for the Frozen Clam Dip and $40 for obstacle courses. Children ages 10 below are free. Tickets can be purchased online at mentorri.networkforgood.com/events/1064-the-2017-frozen-clam-dip-obstaplung

Bristol Polar Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Bristol Town Beach, 50 Asylum Road, Bristol

Description: The East Bay Ice Breakers are hosting their 6th Annual Polar Plunge to benefit Children's Wishes of Rhode Island. The event begins at 11, and guests are welcome to watch while "crazy" people run into the Icy Waters to begin 2017 nice and cold!

Please find more information via the event page below.
East Bay Ice Breakers

Jamestown Penguin Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 Noon

Where: East Ferry Beach, Jamestown

Description: The sixth annual plunge will benefit the Ryan Bourque playground fund, named after the police officer killed in a head-on collision last summer. Event is alcohol-free. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at the rec center, 41 Conanicus Ave. Also, a rubber duck race starts at 11 a.m. to help finance the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., and the standup paddleboard challenge goes off at 11:30 a.m.

Matunuck 18th Annual Penguin Plunge for MS

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 8 a.m. to Noon

Where: Tara's Tipperary Tavern, 907 Matunuck Beach Road, Matunuck

Description: The restaurant opens at 8 a.m. and serves breakfast sandwiches until noon. Free buffet from noon to 2 p.m. Music by Revels Glen (starts around 11 a.m.).

North Kingstown West Bay Family YMCA Polar Swim

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.

Where: North Kingstown Town Beach, Beach Street

Description: The plunge benefits the Y and Kingstown Crossings, affordable housing for the homeless. Registration fee is $25 plus jars on peanut butter and jelly for the North Kingstown Food Pantry.

Prudence Island Polar Plunge

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Sandy Point

Description: Event is organized by Farnham Farm.

2017 Polar Plunge: Charlestown

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, noon, arrivals at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Charlestown Beach

Description: It's not strictly in Patch country, but they're trying to raise $30,000 to help local families in need through Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need. Plungers are asked to solicit five friends for $20 each.

Secret Plunges?

Annawamscutt Seal Society at Annawamscutt Beach, Barrington.

Courtesy Photo: Laid-back Fitness