By GLENN BLAIN
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original Publication: January 2, 2006)

RYE — Snow covered the sand and clouds shrouded the sun, but that didn't stop 50 or so swimmers from making New Year's Day a beach day.

Taking part in what's become an annual charity event at Oakland Beach in Rye, the swimmers lined up along the waterfront and, after a 10-second countdown, bolted into the 40-degree waters of Long Island Sound. And then, almost as quickly, bolted out.

"It's more of a plunge than a swim," said 46-year-old Phil Gormley of Rye, who was among those who charged into the water shortly after noon.

Yesterday's event raised about $3,000 for the Friends of Claire Foundation, a charity named for Gormley's sister, Claire Gormley Collier, who was diagnosed in 2003 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

"It's a great way to start the New Year," said Mark Hyland, 50, of Rye as he tried to warm up afterward. "Good health, good friends and a great cause."

Running into the water, Hyland said, was like a "blast of pain" but he still managed to dive underneath the water twice before heading out.

"Everything is OK except for my feet," he said. "I can't feel them."

The New Year's plunge was the brainchild of 49-year-old Ray Kelly of Rye, who started doing them seven years ago to raise money for charity. A year ago, he linked the event with the Friends of Claire Foundation. Yesterday's turnout was by far his largest.

Each of the swimmers had obtained financial pledges from people to support the charity.

"People give you money for charity if you are doing something that is creative, that is not normal," Kelly said. "And this is not normal."

Natalie Panero, 38, of Rye was among those taking the icy plunge for the first time yesterday. She plans to make it a tradition.

"I was cold standing here, but when you get in the water, it is actually warmer," said Panero, who often competes in triathlons. "But then immediately, your extremities, your hands and your toes, start to freeze."

While most of the swimmers quickly ran into the water and then out, some did manage to make it several yards into the Sound before retreating. Among the last to leave the water was 17-year-old Will Whiston, a member of the Rye High School swim team.

"I just got in and all you can do is swim as hard as you can," Whiston said. "You can't even think."

Asked if it was worth it, Whiston replied, "Now it is, but when I got in, I wasn't thinking that."