Wednesday’s sunshine and warm temperatures prompted the biggest turnout ever to Port Moody’s annual New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge at Rocky Point Park.
The balmy conditions even necessitated a couple extra bags of ice to be tossed into the water to ensure bathers the full Antarctic experience, said the event’s organizer, Nicki Forster.
More than 350 swimmers registered for the dip into the waters of Burrard Inlet, while several dozen more were unofficial participants. Some were from as far away as Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and New Brunswick, Forster said.
The miserable deluge of rain that soaked New Year’s Eve celebrations the day before likely also contributed to the record turnout.
“People were so glad to be outside,” Forster said, adding volunteers manning the registration tables were busy the moment they opened at 11 a.m.
The unique conditions also added another unexpected challenge, Forster said, as the extremely high tide meant volunteer firefighters couldn’t hose the barnacles and slippery seaweed from the boat ramp to ensure safe footing for bathers heading into the water until the very last moment.
Forster said while the event does raise some much-needed funds for programs at the Old Orchard hall, it’s more about community as Port Moody police let kids sit in their police cars and firefighters posed for Instagramable moments.
“It was just a good day,” she said.
