In the 15 years Nicki Forster has been helping organize Port Moody’s annual Penguin Plunge on New Year’s Day, she has never got wet herself.
And she has no intention of changing that this year.
Forster said pulling together the volunteers who help stage the celebratory dip into the chilled waters of Burrard Inlet at Rocky Point Park' lifeguards provided by the city who keep participants safe; and firefighters who tend to the giant, warming bonfire requires her full attention.
And dry socks.
“I love the water,” Forster said, “but this is crazy.”
So crazy, in fact, last year’s plunge was one of the biggest ever, attracting more than 300 swimmers, with some from as far away as Australia, London and Red Deer, Alta.
The event, which has been a New Year’s Day tradition in Port Moody since the 1970s, is a fundraiser for the Pleasantside Community Association. All the proceeds from the $5 registration fee ($10 for a family of four), as well as sales of hot chocolate, coffee and donuts, help run programming at Old Orchard Hall, including Play Pals preschool, seniors' badminton and the Golden Spike can can dancers.
More importantly, Forster said, the plunge is a way to bring the community together to greet the new year. She said for every person brave enough to run down the boat ramp and into the water — after the ceremonial bag of ice is poured in to ensure its bracing frigidity — family, friends and neighbours pack the pier alongside to cheer them on, or maybe gasp in horror.
“Community is everything,” Forster said. “The vibe is really nice. They’re all here to have fun.”
Forster said last year’s attendance was boosted by the sunny, cold weather — ideal conditions for the plunge. If the temperature is too mild, the event loses some of its derring-do appeal, and if it snows, people are loathe to venture down from some of the city’s higher neighbourhoods.
“Weather is always the biggest factor,” she said of the motivators that will roust prospective penguins from the warm comforts of their homes.
And for those who do decide to get wet, the reward — besides bragging rights — is a commemorative button that is distributed to every paid registrant. A kind of badge of their courage, or foolhardiness, Forster said.
• The 2020 Penguin Plunge takes place at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at Rocky Point Park. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. There will be prizes awarded for the best costumes.
