TIVERTON - It was a festive way to spend New Year’s Day this past Wednesday, January 1, as hundreds gathered for the ninth annual Penguin Plunge at Grinnell’s Beach.

As the whistle blew at noon sharp that day, spectators bundled up in puffy coats and cozy pajamas cheered on as around 50 of their loved ones braved the wintry waves. Though the air temperature may have been warmer than in years’ past – the day’s high in the low 40s – ‘penguins,’ as they were called, were still racing back onto the shore within seconds, many of them laughing all the way.

“It’s the fastest event in history,” joked Renee Jones, a resident of Tiverton.

For her and many others, participating in the plunge has become a longstanding tradition. Yet for some, including Little Compton resident Nicole Barnard, the event was a fun – albeit chilly – new experience.

“It kind of wakes you up,” Ms. Barnard said. “It’s refreshing for the New Year.”

Sponsored by the Tiverton Yacht Club, the Penguin Plunge raises over $1,000 annually for the Tiverton Public Library.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Greg Jones, event founder and a trustee of the library. “We usually get a good crowd out.”