New Year's Splash 2026

In the face of a severe snow squall, whiteout conditions, biting wind and driving snow, a hardy band of stalwarts kept the annual tradition alive to challenge Mother Nature and jump into Barnstable Harbor on New Year’s Day 2026.  With air temperatures below freezing and water temperatures only slightly warmer, these hardy swimmers put it all on the line.  Many who have been part of the Splash in the past agree that 2026 had some of the worst weather conditions since the Splash was first held 29 years ago. Our congratulations to all who braved the conditions!

If you weren’t there to witness the ferocity of the weather that day, you must check out the video link below as recorded by Steve Heaslip of the Cape Cod Times. Click Here to view a video of the Splash.

Thank you to everyone whose participation made this year’s Splash another resounding success.  

This includes our Sponsors, Raffle Prize Donors, Auction Item Donors (all listed below) and, of course, those hardy souls who actually made it into the water.

Special thanks go to Nancy Smith and her crew at the Dolphin Restaurant for hosting another great After Party.  

Thanks also to our Host and DJ Ryan Coholan for keeping the energy levels high.  

A big round of applause to the officers and members of the Barnstable Fire Department for providing equipment and staff to be there in case of any emergencies.  

Thank you to our members and volunteers who helped make the After Party another smash success: Dan Jensen, Sutton Shramek, Deirdre Detjens, Brendan Burke, Mary Coholan and Eli Shramek.  And to Splash veterans Rich and Sue French who stepped in to help out.

And finally thanks to the members of the Friends of Barnstable Harbor Splash 2026 Committee who organized and coordinated all of the activities.

Full details on the funds raised and the recipient of this year’s proceeds will be included in a future newsletter.

For anyone who would like to purchase a 2026 New Year’s Splash T-shirt, there are a limited quantity left and they will be on sale starting this week at Barnstable Market.

For any sponsors that have not yet received their T-shirts, please let us know at info@friendsofbarnstableharbor.org so we can arrange for pickup.