Portsmouth's Penguin Plunge Returns on New Year's Day 2016

PORTSMOUTH, RI—Portsmouth has a Penguin Plunge on New Year’s Day again.

The Richard family at The Beachcomber have taken on the task of hosting the annual event this year, ending a one-year hiatus and bringing back the popular plunge at Island Park.

The plunge did not go on last year after the closure of the former The Beach House meant no post-plunge party at the bar. But now, with The Beachcomber entering its first winter at the location with a successful summer under its belt, owner Michael Richard said it was only natural for his new restaurant to revive the event.

The restaurant has teamed up with the Portsmouth Business Association to get the event off the sand and into the water.

Now a family-friendly pub, bringing back the plunge is for fun – and good causes. Plungers will be raising money in addition to taking a frigid dip before warming up by the bonfire on the beach. (Yes, the Fire Department has blessed the bonfire.)

The Plunge itself is at noon, but The Beachomber will be open at 10:30 a.m. with food and a 50/50 raffle. A drone will be flying to capture the action and plungers are invited to a post-swim party at the pub after braving the cold.

Richard said numerous local restaurants and businesses have donated food and gifts for the raffle. And plungers are encouraged to get a dozen or more friends and family members to pledge $10 to raise money for a good cause. The staff at The Beachcomber is raising money for a couple of people battling illnesses, including Matthew Pierce, a Portsmouth resident battling Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and Mary Tobin, also of Portsmouth.

The PBA has asked its member businesses to make a donation to help support the fundraising efforts. Official greeter John Vit has more information and can be reached by email at JohnVit@verizon.net.

“A Portsmouth High School Teacher, Tim Ryan, has asked his school community group to join in and got a great response,” Richard said. “You don’t need to be a high schooler to do this! Everybody is welcome to join the fun.”

Tickets for the raffle are available now at The Beachcomber. 506 Park Ave. For more information, call 401-683-1400 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.