HAMPTON — Special Olympics New Hampshire is going “back to the beach” for the first time since 2020, when thousands will take a frigid dip into the Atlantic Ocean this weekend at Hampton Beach.

The 15th annual High School Plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 11, while the 24th Penguin Plunge will take place Sunday, Feb. 12.

Both events- which raise funds for Special Olympics New Hampshire- have taken place in the past two years virtually with a “Do-It-Yourself” model. Plunge participants would use the water source of their choice to take their own plunge with the option of sharing photos or videos on social media.

“2021 was the year we learned how a 'Do-It-Yourself' Plunge would work, and we learned a lot,” said Mary Conroy, president and CEO of Special Olympics New Hampshire. “We put that knowledge to use in 2022 and last year’s Plunge weekend broke all previous records for the event."

Hampton Beach $22M pier project: Supporters make case, but does State Parks want it?

The “Do-It-Yourself” version has proven so popular that it will be presented simultaneously with the in-person version at Hampton Beach State Park behind the Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion. Plunging starts at noon each day on Feb. 11th and 12th and spectators are welcome.

“The vast majority of participants will be joining us at the beach for the party,” said Conroy, noting that the theme for the 2023 event is “Party Like It’s 1999.”

Plungers not coming to Hampton will make their plunge during the weekend and have the option of sharing any photos or video online using #SONHPlunge.

This in-person/virtual “hybrid” model will be repeated in March for the companion Winni Dip fundraiser when it returns home to the Margate Resort on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Most fundraising is done online, and people can register to plunge or make a donation at www.SONH.org.

Those making donations can donate to a specific plunger or group of plungers (called “flocks”) with an easy-to-use search function. All proceeds from the High School Plunge and the Penguin Plunge stay in the Granite State and are used to support the more than 3,000 athletes served by SONH in every region of the state.

More:Hampton developer shelves plan for 103-unit apartment complex next to Old Salt

Volunteers still needed for Penguin Plunge weekend

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for those not plunging or donating. It takes hundreds of volunteers to keep the weekend running smoothly. Volunteer positions for as few as three hours are available, all the way up to volunteer jobs for three days. Volunteer opportunities include support positions both indoors and on the beach.Volunteer Coordinator Pam Anctil can answer any questions at Pamplus3@hotmail.com.

The 2023 Penguin Plunge and Winni Dip events are presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast. More information about the events can be found at www.SONH.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Penguin Plunge weekend returns to Hampton Beach