Thousands come out for Newport Polar Plunge

By: Samantha Lavien
Slavien@abc6.com
Twitter: @samanthalavien

Thousands hit the beach in Newport Thursday ringing in 2015 with a chilly new years day tradition, the annual polar plunge.

There were an estimated four to five thousand at the event, with hundreds actually braving the water.

Some bundled up to the max waiting until the very last minute to shed their clothes while others proudly donned their bathing suits and of course some goose bumps as well.

“It’s really cold but I had to do it for the beach, lifeguards forever,” said Sarah Rundquist.

The temperature was in the 30’s but the crowd didn’t care, many saying they’re happy to be plunging for a good cause.

“It’s a great cause usually we raise money for kids with some type of catastrophic illness and they usually go to Disney. The Wish Come True organization is really great,” said Daniel Hochparger.

Beyond raising money for the Wish Come True Organization many ABC 6 News spoke with say this plunge has become a tradition that can’t be skipped.

“It’s a rebirth. It’s a baptism of sorts for the New Year,” said Tim Manning.

“I just love it it’s refreshing it’s something you really have to come out here and do to enjoy it,” said Lee Eckhart.

(C) WLNE-TV 2014