(Photos) Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach

Thousands of revelers gathered at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI at noon on Friday for the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. The annual event, which has been taking place since 1969 raises funds for A Wish Come True, a group that grants wishes for sick children.

What a crowd at Easton’s Beach today! Congratulations to all who braved the frigid waters this morning in the name of charity! #polarplunge #eastonsbeach #newportri

A photo posted by The Chanler at Cliff Walk (@thechanler) on Jan 1, 2016 at 10:09am PST

#polarplunge #newyear2016 #newportri

A photo posted by Mark S (@mlsten) on Jan 1, 2016 at 9:57am PST

Happy Polar Bear Plunge! ⛄️☀️ #newportri #polarbearplunge

A photo posted by Rachael (@raeleighf) on Jan 1, 2016 at 9:21am PST

2016 #PolarPlunge ❄️?? #NewportRI

A photo posted by @dontcallmepootie on Jan 1, 2016 at 9:12am PST