<strong>From staff reports</strong>

On New Year’s Day 2020, more than 450 participants hit the water at Lighthouse Beach at Hunting Island State Park in the 11th annual Pelican Plunge, raising more than $3,000 for the Friends of Hunting Island.

The group won’t have a chance to top those numbers this New Year’s as Friends of Hunting Island announced Monday it was canceling the upcoming event as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is with careful consideration and deliberation that our organization has made the decision to cancel our Annual New Years Day event – the Pelican Plunge,” the organization said in a release.

“Due to the current Covid-19 environment, it was determined that for the safety and well-being of our Hunting Island visitors, members and families, canceling this event is the prudent thing to do.

“We wish all of our ‘plungers’ a happy and, most of all, healthy Holiday Season and look forward to restoring all that Hunting Island provides our community in the not-too-distant future.”

The nonprofit Friends of Hunting Island helps with Hunting Island State Park beach and trail maintenance and the conservation and support of its wildlife.