Larry Brown, organizer of the Penguin Plunge fundraiser, said Sunday morning that the New Year’s Day event at 11 a.m. at Murray Hill landing in East Boothbay will go on but he will be there to discourage participants from going into the water because of the frigid and dangerous air temperatures.

“I will be there to ask people just to stick a hand or foot in the water,” said Brown. “I didn’t postpone the event because the weather doesn’t look to be any better next weekend.”

The 16th annual Penguin Plunge will again benefit the Boothbay Region YMCA’s second grade swim program. It is being dedicated to John Druce and his late wife, Charlotte, this year in recognition of their many years of supporting the Y.