Newport Cancels 2021 Polar Plunge Due To Coronavirus

NEWPORT, RI — Newport's annual polar plunge was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Easton's Beach will be closed New Year's Day, the city announced Monday.

The annual event has been held for the past 16 years, raising thousands of dollars for A Wish Come True. Each year, hundreds of participants and spectators brave the arctic weather on New Year's Day, jumping into the freezing water for a good cause.

There was no way to safely hold the event under the current state coronavirus restrictions, which prohibit social gatherings outside the immediate household. Anyone who wanted to take part in the event is asked to instead participate in a virtual "polar plunge" by posting an ice-bucket-challenge-style video to social media, using the hashtag #AWCTPolarPlunge.

To keep people from gathering Jan. 1, Easton's Beach will be closed and staff will be on site to avoid groups from forming.

"Hopefully we'll see you at the beach in 2022!" the city said in a statement.