About 40 people jumped into the chilly ocean off Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk on Saturday morning during the 17th annual Atlantic Plunge.

The event, normally held on New Year’s Day, was rescheduled for Jan. 6 because of astronomically high tides forecast for Jan. 1, and then postponed until Saturday because of health concerns over subzero temperatures on Jan. 6.

Temperatures were much improved Saturday from the original date, with the mercury in the low 40-degree range while the ocean registered 41 degrees.

The event typically raises between $20,000 and $25,000 for Caring Unlimited, a York County resource center for people affected by domestic abuse and violence. Organizers said they do not yet know how much money was raised this year.

Abraham Boulter, center, of Sanford, bounds into the frigid water at Kennebunk’s Gooch’s Beach on Saturday morning for the 17th annual Atlantic Plunge. Staff photo by Ben McCanna

Beth Quimby can be contact ed at 791-6363 or at:

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