Join in the fun or simply enjoy the spectacle.

Whichever you choose, there are plenty of choices in the East Bay for New Year’s Day polar bear swims, when the hardy and impulsive don bathing suits and wade into Rhode Island’s frigid winter seas.

One of the largest events in the state is in Newport. The Newport Polar Bears host the annual event at Easton’s Beach at noon. Joining the group this year will be Miss Rhode Island USA Amy Diaz and Mrs. Rhode Island America Christina Balletto.

The event will benefit 5-year-old Kathleen Quinn, of Middletown, and A Wish Come True Inc., which will be sending Quinn, and her parents, Margaret and John, and her two brothers, to Disney World in April. Quinn has cancer.

After the swim, there will be raffles, an auction, food and music at the rotunda.

In Little Compton, The Penguin Plunge will take place at noon at South Shore Beach, off South Shore Road. A spectator fee of $10 per carload will be charged with proceeds supporting local scholarships.

In Barrington, there will be an annual swim at the beach at the end of Annawamscutt Road at noon.