WINTHROP — The PALS No-Kill Cat Shelter plans to dive into kitten season with a Kitten Kerplunk, an early spring swim, from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Winthrop Town Beach on Bowdoin Street.

Cold water swimming is said to boost ones immune system, increase circulation and boost ones mental health. People can dip into Maranacook Lake while helping to raise funds to care for the kittens and cats at the nonprofit shelter at 188 Case Road in East Winthrop, according to a news release from Virginia Baghdoyan, chairperson of the PALS Board of Directors.

Participants are asked to gather donations from as many sponsors as possible before May 13.

Swimmers will enter the water together in three waves — 9:30, 10 and 10:30 a.m. They should arrive at the beach at least 15 minutes before their chosen wave to check in and return sponsor sheets and donations.

Plenty of parking is available at Norcross Point, along the road by the lake and across the street at the American Legion, between 9 and 11 a.m. only.

First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded for the most donations collected. Unregistered or unsponsored swimmers may register at the beach on the event day for $15. Anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To register and request a sponsor sheet, email [email protected].

For more information, check out PALS No-Kill Cat Shelter’s Facebook page, or call the shelter at 207-395-4274.

Check out other upcoming area events!