Jump-starting 2018: Back Eddy to host 19th New Year’s plunge

The water temperature was a reasonable 48 degrees when Back Eddy restaurant owner Sal Liotte checked the thermometer on his dock Friday.

But relentless arctic cold and wind this week give the Westport River plenty of chilling time in preparation for the 19th annual New Year’s Day plunge off that dock.

One early forecast calls for an early morning January 1 low of 4 degrees with a high of 19 — and probably more of the wind that is predicted for much of this week.

That’s colder than last year when the temperature climbed to around 40 with sunny skies — plenty of people jumped in to earn themselves a free Back Eddy brunch. Many more paid for the good and spectacle of others leaping and screaming.

“I have a theory, not sure how scientific it is, that when the water temperature and air temperature are close, it’s less of a shock to the system,” Mr. Liotta said. That formula suggests sufficient shock this year.

Mr. Liotta said there are no changes to the format this year. As last year, the plunge and brunch start at 11 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.

Leaping will be from a special float and rescuers will be on hand in case anyone finds the water too shocking.

At least one year they have had to call the swim off due to ice in the river. But another year it warmed to 54 degrees and over 300 people lined up. The 480 brunch customers overwhelmed the kitchen staff prompting the present reservation system which aims to control the numbers and help spread out the brunch timing.

When brunch is done, tired staff will gather once more for their Christmas party.

Then the Back Eddy shuts down until late March.