Temperatures in the 20s with snow and ice ordinarily aren’t ideal conditions for a trip to the beach.
However, Shawn Coyne and a group of friends including his daughter’s fiance headed to Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach on New Year’s Day to test the frigid waters of Lake Erie as part of the third annual ‘Port Plunge.
People pose for pictures as they wait to test the frigid waters of Lake Erie as part of the ‘Port Plunge at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach on Jan. 1. (William Tilton – News-Herald)
Coyne’s explanation for taking a freezing cold swim to ring in the New Year was matter of fact.
“Because I am crazy,” Coyne said with a laugh as he tried to warm up. “This is one more thing to cross off the bucket list.”
The event helps raise funds for the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance.
Justin Levine of the FHACA said 152 people were pre-registered and at least 40 more registered on site before taking the plunge at noon.
A registration fee of $25 or $30 with shirt pays for the Fairport Harbor EMS to be on site and in the water. Profits support the FHACA free annual events and Fairport Harbor Schools.
Hundreds of people rang in New Year’s Day by taking the ‘Port Plunge at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach on Jan. 1. (William Tilton – News-Herald)
In addition, for the first time they partnered with the Lake County YMCA, and there was a registration option to have a portion of the fee go back to the YMCA to support their programs.
Hot drinks provided by Julbeans Coffee and Crepes and pizza by Regos Brickhouse Pizza were available for plungers to stay warm before hitting the water.
Levine said this was the first time they had to deal with snow and a narrow opening had to be cut in the ice to enter the water, but the enthusiasm wasn’t any less than the previous two years.
“After the first year nothing really surprises me,” Levine said. “Technically, it is for wellness taking a cold plunge and effects on the body. Really we look at it as a fresh start to the year. Seeing so many people with smiles on their faces coming out of the water just blows my mind.”
The association has a team of six members who were on hand to get people registered, pass out shirts and help with beverages. Levine said about 10 or 15 members of the community also pitched in to help ensure the event ran smoothly.
For Coyne, the plunge for the most part lived up to his expectations.
“It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be,” Coyne said. “Will I come back and do it again? I might.”