Mainers brave cold waters in annual Polar Bear dip for climate action fundraising - WGME

Mainers brave cold waters in annual Polar Bear dip for climate action fundraising | WGME

SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) - Hundreds of Mainers kicked off their New Year’s Eve morning by spending it in frigid waters, all for a good cause.

The 16th annual Polar Bear dip and dash at Willard Beach is to support climate action in the state.

It’s organized by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

The proceeds raised will help support climate action and projects in Maine that help advance a brighter clean energy effort here in the state.

“The dip into these cold waters is actually a pretty poignant symbol of the changes we are facing as Maine, the country, and in the world,” said Rebeccah Sanders, Natural Resources Council of Maine CEO.

Participants said this is the best way to dive right into the new year and shared some of their New Year’s resolutions.

“Gonna be skiing more,” said Amanda Jacobs.

“Sleep more,” said Owen Mclearney.

“Aw man. New Year’s resolution? Keep doing the plunges,” said Sean Travis.

These participants say they wouldn’t want to spend the last day of 2023 any other way.

Organizers say today’s fundraising goal was thirty thousand dollars, they were shy of that goal by just a few thousand.