Braving the water in Island Park.

Nearly 100 people gathered across from Flo's Clam Shack in Island Park at noon today to watch about 20 folks take the annual Seal Plunge in the chilly Sakonnet. Yesterday's snowfall seemed not to have dampened spirits at all, and there was much whooping and applause from the bundled-up spectators as the participants made their brief run out, dive in, and splash back ashore to dry off.

The Beach House Bar and Grille was open at 11am, and more than a dozen of the swimmers gathered there to fortify themselves with pancakes and warming beverages before walking down Park Ave for the plunge. The Island Park Recreation Association (IPRA) was on hand to provide a table of pastries for the swimmers.