Dozens flocked to a southern Maryland beach Wednesday afternoon to take part in a New Year’s Day tradition: the North Beach polar bear plunge.
The event is in its 24th year, and participants often wear costumes into the water.
This year, one family of four showed up wearing all sorts of leopard print clothing, hats, bow ties and cat ears. Also seen plunging: two friends sporting adult-sized Batman and American flag onesies.
At plunge time the air temperature was 46 degrees, and the water temperature 36 degrees.
Some people took a few steps into the waves and headed back to the beach. Others ventured out much further and took full-fledged swims.
Some plunged for free, while others paid $25 to get a souvenir T-shirt. Proceeds benefited St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Ladies of Charity.
