Splashing for a cause
Supporters of two local social service organizations, Malta Ministries and Westerly Area Rest Meals (WARM) Center, braved cold waters at local beaches to raise funds Tuesday for their ongoing efforts.
The 19th annual Malta Samaritan Swim raises money for the organization's efforts to help the homeless and those in extreme poverty in the region. Swimmers totaling up to 100 raced into the Fishers Island Sound waters from Eastern Point Beach in Groton shortly after noon, after WCTY disc jockey Johnny G. played the national anthem and Groton City Mayor Keith Hedrick sounded the air horn.
The WARM Center's 13th annual Penguin Plunge saw more than 200 brave the wind and high surf off Misquamicut Beach in Westerly to support the center's shelter and soup kitchen.
Lifeguards restricted plungers to waist-deep waters and an "in and out" trip for safety. Hundreds of not-as-brave souls watched from the relative warmth of the beach.
Air temperatures were in the mid-50s, and water temperatures in the mid to upper 40s, a significant improvement over the 2018 events, both of which were postponed due to extreme cold.
Other similar events were held in Niantic, New London and Esker Point Beach in Groton.
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