Are you taking the Pelican Plunge?

The New Year’s Day Lowcountry tradition of jumping into the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean continues with the Fifth Annual 2013 Pelican Plunge at Hunting Island State Park. Registration for the event starts at noon near the lighthouse, while the actual plunge will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

Pelican Plunge 2012 — After taking a dip in the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean, participants in last year’s annual Hunting Island State Park Pelican Plunge wash the sand and salt water from their feet. About 400 people went into the water while another 1,000 stayed on the beach to cheer them on. This year’s event will take place Tuesday, January 1, at 1 p.m., at the Hunting Island lighthouse. Photo by Bob Sofaly.

Personal and team pledges will benefit Hunting Island’s “Discover Carolina” school program. In the last three years, the Pelican Plunge has raised more than $10,000 for the Discover Carolina program, which provides a day of hands-on, curriculum-based instruction at the state park for third, fifth and seventh grade students in Beaufort County. The Friends of Hunting Island uses the event as a vehicle to fund these student group trips.

Prizes will be awarded to the most money raised by an individual, business and organization.

For more information, call the park at 843-838-2011 or visit www.friendsofhuntingisland.org.