“Guinea Dipping” will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8; participants will jump into icy waters of the York River at Gloucester Point Beach as a fundraiser for the Gloucester Rowing Association.

Randy Martin, an organizer of this first-ever chill-out swim, said the event will raise money for equipment for the Gloucester High School crew. He noted that the Virginia High School League last year removed crew from its list of sponsored activities. He said that GHS athletic director Kristy Hunter and retired director Jon Hatch, and sponsors in the community, have always provided “utmost support” for the rowing team, but that rowers are having to find new ways to fund their sport.

Anyone signing up to take the Guinea Dip is asked to find sponsors and raise at least $100 to participate.

In addition to helping the GRA, the event will benefit Park Partners with 25 percent of its proceeds, Martin said.

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