Cold-Water Dippers to warm up February for Finding Our Voices

Published by PenBay Pilot

January 25, 2025

Women across Maine are dipping to raise money for domestic abuse survivors on Super Bowl Sunday.

Cold Water Queers, in this photo with Two Maine Mermaids at the 2024 Finding Our Voices dip, will be dipping for Finding Our Voices again February 9, at Willard Beach in South Portland, 11 a.m. (Photo courtesy Mary Kamradt/Finding Our Voices)

On February 9, Maine oceans and lakes will be dotted with yellow as women wearing that color cold-dip at various locations and times. The second annual event is a fundraiser for Finding Our Voices, the grassroots nonprofit providing peer support and resources to Maine women survivors of domestic abuse.

The event promotes the well-being that comes from cold water and sisterhood while raising money for Maine’s women domestic abuse survivors.

Dippers are encouraged to wear yellow.

Yyellow is our color because we are survivors who have managed to cross over to the bright side of safety and freedom, shining a light for our sisters still in the dark," said Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of the nonprofit, in a news release.  

Anyone wanting to join can pick their own time and place on February 9, or join the schedule of participating, established dipping groups. 

For locations and times from Vinalhaven to York, click here.

McLean said the proximity to Valentine’s Day is just one reason for the date of the event.

“Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally one of the most dangerous days of the year to be at home for women trapped in domestic abuse," said McLean. "Isolation and the robbing of self-esteem are chief tactics abusers use to get and maintain control. So how beautiful that on a day when men’s violence to the women they are supposed to love peaks, women are gathering outdoors in a collective, healthy manner to express love and support for each other.” 

Participants are invited to choose their own fundraising campaign, including donating directly through the Finding Our Voices website and creating a Go Fund Me page. All genders are welcome to participate, either by dipping or sponsoring a dipper.  In 2024, more than 500 Maine dippers raised $10,000 for Finding Our Voices.

For more information about Finding Our Voices click here, or contact McLean directly at hello@findingourvoices.net

Event Date

Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 06:00 am