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Swimmers brave snow to take the Penguin Plunge in Port Moody

The new year roared in with a fresh blanket of snow, sub-zero temperatures and gusting winds
2017 Penguin Plunge
About 150 brave swimmers tore into the chilly inlet waters at the annual Port Moody Penguin Plunge on New Year's Day.

The new year roared in with a fresh blanket of snow, sub-zero temperatures and gusting winds but none of that stopped a hearty crowd of swimmers and onlookers at the annual Penguin Plunge festivities.

And while the crowd was smaller than in previous years, the enthusiasm was not.

Port Moody firefighters were on hand to clean off the boat ramp for swimmers but left the fire hose packed away, opting instead for shovels to chip off the ice. Volunteers were busy getting swimmers registered and chasing after signs, papers and a ladder that were kicked up by the wind.

"It was fun but, oh my goodness, it was cold," said organizer Nicki Forster, even though the previous night's snowfall likely kept many people at home.

Plunge
Wacky costumes are always a hit at the annual Port Moody Penguin Plunge. - Elaine Fleury

About 150 brave souls — some decked out in wacky costumes — dashed into the chilly water while a crowd of about 500 looked on; previous years have seen more than 400 Plungers.

The Pleasantside Community Association event raises money for programs at Old Orchard Hall, including a kids' play group and the can-can dancers. Forster said the smaller crowd meant they only raised about $600 and after last year's event had to be cancelled the association will face some financial challenges this year.

"It's about half of what we've raised in the past… but we'll be OK," Forster said.

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@spayneTC