By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — Several dozen people committed an irrational act at Compo Beach on New Year’s Day, charging into water just skipping-stone distance from freezing.

But there was a reason for the freezin’, said Temple Israel of Westport and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County. The event this year will fund the Israel Emergency Fund.

The plungers included children and adults alike. It appeared a you-only-live-once adventure, something done out of a sense of community, or a crazy activity with family or friends you could always tell a good story about.

Or maybe all of the above.

It drew hundreds to the beach.

Dogs chased each other in circles in and out of the water, perhaps wondering what was taking the humans so long. Then came a countdown from 10, as people shed their blankets and jackets to dash below the tideline.

The daring humans braved the ankle-numbing, octave-raising waters.

Some looped in thigh-high and out again. Many did a dive-and-dash back to towels and bathrobes.

Others lingered farther offshore, waist-high, hands locked jauntily behind necks or with victorious fists clenched in the air, Rocky style.

Eric and Abbey Leven had hot chocolate waiting for their cold and salty sons, Louis, 6, and Jasper, 9.

The dad took the plunge with the boys, all first-time participants.

“Next year my wife will join us,” Eric Leven said.

“Yeah, New Year’s resolution,” Abbey said, sounding not entirely convinced.

“It’s on the colder side,” the dad said of the water. “It’s not so cold that you don’t enjoy it.”

He said they ran in, dove, and ran out.

“I liked it,” Jasper said.

“What kid wouldn’t do it for a hot chocolate?” Eric Levin said with proper dad-thusiasm.

Abbey Levey wasn’t ready to commit to next year.

“I don’t know. It’s easy to say now, I’m not sure,” she said.

Their youngest appeared certain.

“I’m not doing this next year,” Louis said.

Even if not, he’ll likely have a lifelong memory, and a heck of a story to tell.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.