MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2026

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Posted 1/2/22

PORTSMOUTH — After taking 2021 off (officially, anyway) polar divers returned to Island Park Beach to herald in the new year with a dip in the ocean.

As usual, a huge bonfire was lit to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Register to post events

If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Revelers make their way back to the beach after diving in Saturday at Island Park Beach.

Jim McGaw

Justin Terpening, donning an ape mask, makes his way out of the water at Island Park Beach on Saturday.

Jim McGaw

Carroll Brown, Stacy Mello, Kathleen Clark, Paula D’Andrea, and Michelle Arsenault (from left) dove in to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). Danielle is Arsenault’s sister, who was recently diagnosed with MS. “We thought we’d do it for a cause this year. She’s doing good and fighting like a girl,” Arsenault said of her sister, referencing their sign. “We’re not going to let her fight alone.”

Jim McGaw

Portsmouth firefighters, who were standing by throughout the event, wet down the area behind the bonfire after flames starting licking some of the beach grass.

Jim McGaw

Emma Daily heads back to the beach after diving in.

Jim McGaw

John Anthony (left), who owns a portion of the beach where the event was held, poses with event organizer John Vitkevich.

Jim McGaw

Revelers make their way back to the beach after diving in Saturday at Island Park Beach.

Jim McGaw

John Anthony, the owner of the portion of the beach where the bonfire and dive were held, served as one of the lighters.

Jim McGaw

Revelers make their way back to the beach after diving in Saturday at Island Park Beach.

Jim McGaw

Revelers make their way back to the beach after diving in Saturday at Island Park Beach.

Jim McGaw

New Year’s Day revelers run into the water before running out just as fast.

Jim McGaw

New Year’s Day revelers run into the water before running out just as fast.

Jim McGaw

Carroll Brown, Stacy Mello, Paula D’Andrea, Kathleen Clark, and Michelle Arsenault (from left), who took part to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, just before they dove in.

Jim McGaw

Michelle Arsenault scrambles our to the water.

Jim McGaw

Justin Terpening, donning an ape mask, swims back to shore after taking part in the Polar Dive at Island Park Beach on Saturday.

Jim McGaw

Event organizer John Vitkevich painted his chest in support of one of his causes for 2022: getting repairs done to the Stone Bridge abutment.

Jim McGaw

Event organizer John Vitkevich shared some of his wishes for 2022 on his back.

Jim McGaw

John Anthony, the owner of the portion of the beach where the bonfire and dive were held, served as one of the lighters.

Jim McGaw

Portsmouth firefighters, who were standing by throughout the event, wet down the area behind the bonfire after flames starting licking some of the beach grass.

Jim McGaw

Portsmouth firefighters, who were standing by throughout the event, wet down the area behind the bonfire after flames starting licking some of the beach grass.

Jim McGaw

Portsmouth firefighters, who were standing by throughout the event, wet down the area behind the bonfire after flames starting licking some of the beach grass.

Jim McGaw

Kathleen, Emma and Matt Daily pose for a photo after taking the dive.

Jim McGaw

The large crowd enjoys the warmth provided by the big bonfire.

Jim McGaw

Posted Sunday, January 2, 2022 3:17 pm

PORTSMOUTH — After taking 2021 off (officially, anyway) polar divers returned to Island Park Beach to herald in the new year with a dip in the ocean.

As usual, a huge bonfire was lit to keep participants warm. Firefighters were on the scene and hosed down a section of the area behind the fire, as flames licked a small portion of the beach grass.

After the dive, revelers retreated to Tremblay's Bar and Grill for refreshments and raffles, which benefited the Island Park Preservation Society.

Scroll through the photos above to view all the fun.

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Register to post events

Day pass subscribers

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Kickemuit Middle School Outdoor Learning Zone gets new …

Rossi and Pedulla face off in school committee forum …

Bristol Warren School Committee lays out Fiscal Year …

Warren played a crucial role in the filming of …

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Please log in to continue

Register to post events

Day pass subscribers

Revelers dive in to celebrate New Year’s in Portsmouth (photos)

Participants enjoy relatively balmy weather

Kickemuit Middle School Outdoor Learning Zone gets new …

Rossi and Pedulla face off in school committee forum …

Bristol Warren School Committee lays out Fiscal Year …

Warren played a crucial role in the filming of …