This New Year’s Day, the annual Polar Bear Plunge returned to the south end of Gene Coulon Park in Renton, WA.  At 11 a.m., many brave souls (or least those that wanted to make a statement) jumped into Lake Washington.  The water was 45 degrees with a temperature of 46 degrees outside.

This year the event was co-sponsored by Ivar’s (and yes, clam chowder was served) and the Reserve Sanctuary Apartments at The Landing. Other Puget Sound dips, plunges, dives, or swims are held at Matthews Beach in Kirkland, Magnuson Park, Ballard and Alki in Seattle, and at Pt. Defiance in Tacoma.  No registration required.  My guess is a couple hundred people showed up for the frigid event in Renton.  Some in costume.

Take the plunge and start the year off with a “chill”!  Happy New Year 2012!