Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Sunday, some brave souls ran into the frigid Atlantic Ocean from the shores of East Boston.
Despite the cold weather, more than 100 people participated in the 15th Annual Shamrock Splash to help raise money for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. Kennedy, who was dressed as a mermaid, was one of the many participants looking to win the costume contest and a round-trip ticket to anywhere in the world from JetBlue.
“I mean, look at all these people. We’re about to jump in the water wearing stupid outfits. It’s like, what are we doing here?” said Kennedy. “But, here we are and it’s awesome.”
Chris Mancini with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay said they hoped to raise $50,000 for their Better Beaches Grant Program. The program is in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), bringing free events and programming to DCR beaches up and down the coast.
“We’re really focusing on three areas especially: people who maybe don’t speak English as a first language, people who have mobility challenges, and cultural celebrations that can break down barriers for people,” said Mancini.
Even though they had to move some of the festivities indoors due to the wind chill, more than 100 people still ran into the harbor off Constitution Beach in East Boston. The temperatures were low, but the spirits were high.
“It feels good. It makes you feel alive,” said one woman.
“It’s cold, but it was so fun, but it was so fun. I love swimming in the ocean in the winter,” said another woman.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.