Polar Bear Dip welcomes in the New Year
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - They took off warm clothing and headed into the water dressed as if it was a hot day in August. It was all part of the annual Polar Bear Dip on a Santa Barbara beach.
The water temperature was about 58 degrees.
Organizer Hugh Margerum, a local artist, said this is the third year for the dip.
Friends were ready with towels and blankets right after the eight participants got out.
They celebrated with a table of snacks and posed for memorable photos.
They welcome more but this year, unlike other areas, that's all who showed up.
Similar dips on the Central Coast also took place, including an annual event in Cayucos which has been taking place for 40 years.
