Start the year with 2 ocean plunges in Beaufort County on Saturday. Here are the details
The tradition of jumping into the Atlantic Ocean to kick off the new year will be just a little bit warmer on Saturday, when two separate events are planned in Beaufort County.
Plunges are planned on Hilton Head and Hunting islands. These two New Year’s Day traditions are held just for the fun of it, but they also raise money for good causes.
Temperatures are expected to be around 74 on Hilton Head Island, and 73 on Hunting Island, according to the National Weather Service.
Hunting Island’s Pelican Plunge is at 1 p.m. Meet at the Lighthouse area for registration between 11:30 a.m and noon.
A costume parade, which seems to get more more outrageous every year, also is planned. You can also register online and receive a ticket via email.
The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Proceeds from The Pelican Plunge benefit Friends Hunting Island in its work to support the environmental efforts at Hunting Island State Park, such as protecting the nesting sea turtles.
The Polar Plunge on Hilton Head returns to Coligny Beach at 11 a.m.
No registration is required, and it’s free, but donations will be accepted for the Charli’s Critters Naturalist Program through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in honor of Charli Bobinchuck, an 11-year-old girl who was killed crossing U.S. 278 in 2018.
Charli loved being on the beach, in the water, but most of all she loved Hilton Head Island, its environment and all of its animals big and small, Charli’s parents, Daisy and Bryan Bobinchuck, said in a news release.
Bonus points and shout-outs will go to the best costume. A raffle benefiting the Naturalist Program begins at 10:30 a.m.
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 2:05 PM.
