Portsmouth welcomes 2024 with annual Polar Dive

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — Portsmouth started off 2024 with the annual Polar Dive at Island Park Beach.

The community was asked to help clean the beach ahead of the New Year’s events.

A significant amount of debris was left on the sand after a storm blew through Southern New England two weeks ago.

The annual tradition benefits the Island Park Preservation Society.

A bonfire was set for 11 a.m. Participants ran into the water at noon.

The public was invited to an after party at Tremblay’s Island Park Bar & Grill on Park Avenue.