Best yet for a dip in Greenwich Bay

Posted 1/7/20

Best yet for a dip in Greenwich Bay January 1 is not always a forgiving time of year, especially for those planning to jump into the waters of Greenwich Bay for the benefit of Mentor Rhode Island. Two years ago, ice stretched out from the beach at

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Best yet for a dip in Greenwich Bay

LET'S GET OUT OF HERE: Participants in the 9th annual Frozen Clam Dip and Obsta-plunge hastily make for the beach – towels and the warmth of their cars – after flinging themselves into Greenwich Bay on New Year’s Day for the benefit of Mentor Rhode Island.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

IN AND OUT: As quickly as participants raced into the water, those who preceded them ran to get out.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

RUNNER AND PLUNGER: Luke McGowan, son of Ryan and Laurie McGowan of Laid-back Fitness that co-hosted the event for the benefit of Mentor RI, emerges from bay waters.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

A COOL SMILE: A wet Julie Peterson quickly wrapped herself in a towel after taking the Frozen Clam Dip.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

INTRODUCING THE TEAM: Mike Murray of Funny 4 Funds, who served as commenter for the event, introduces Jo-Ann Schofield of Mentor RI and Ryan McGowan of Laid-back Fitness, event organizers, as participants and spectators prepare for the countdown to the plunge.

(Warwick Beacon photos)

FINAL OBSTACLE: Larry Phillips, 58, from Red Hook, N.Y. runs the final challenge in the obstacle course before jumping into the bay. Phillips said he makes a point of participating in New Year’s Day plunges and had this one on his list. He completed the obsta-plunge course in 16:52.LET'S

(Warwick Beacon photos)

Posted Tuesday, January 7, 2020 1:41 pm

January 1 is not always a forgiving time of year, especially for those planning to jump into the waters of Greenwich Bay for the benefit of Mentor Rhode Island. Two years ago, ice stretched out from the beach at Goddard Park to Apponaug Cove except for a room-sized hole just offshore, and that was none too inviting with floating chunks of ice. Wisely, Jo-Ann Schofield, Mentor RI president and CEO, postponed the Frozen Clam Dip and Obsta-plunge that year. By the time the bay thawed somehow there just wasn’t the excitement of a New Year’s event. Last year it was freezing, but the bay was clear of ice and they went for it. And then there was 2020. Conditions weren’t exactly perfect – the wind made it feel a lot colder than 46 degrees – but the sun was out and the tide was high. It was also a high-water mark for the fundraising event that brought in a record $14,177 between donations, sponsorships and registrations. The partnership with Laid-back Fitness that sets up the obstacle course for those venturing to cap off a run plus mastering obstacles has raised more than $68,000 for mentoring over nine years.