Temperatures were flirting with close to below zero but that didn't stop large crowds from helping bring a worldwide winter tradition back to the South Okanagan.

Several dozens of locals braved the cold and celebrated the first day of 2025 on Wednesday by doing polar plunges at three locations across the region, including Sun-Oka Beach in Summerland.

"It looks like there are a lot of dippers this year, as we call them," said Abirinder Brar, Kinsmen Club Of Summerland president, as he marked the 39th annual edition of the event.

"It's a bit of a 'refresh yourself for the new year' event so we try to put on a nice fun day and keep everyone hyped." 

Polar Bear Dip events also took place on Wednesday at Naramata's Centre Beach and Gyro Park Beach in Osoyoos.

In Summerland, crowds gathered before noon to continue a tradition that was marked across Canada on Jan. 1, 2025.

Members of Penticton and District Search and Rescue (PENSAR) and BC Ambulance Service also took part in the event, which raises money annually for the local Kinseman club.

PENSAR estimated on Wednesday that the Okanagan Lake water was about 4 C.

"You just have to take the punch, get in, and then you can get out," PENSAR member Jesse MacDonald said with a laugh.

MacDonald was one of four PENSAR members to dip into the water at noon to ensure all the event's participants were safe.

Hot dogs and warm beverages were also served up before the Summerland Polar Dip.

As for the organizers' favourite part of the annual event?

"I absolutely love the reactions when people come out of the water," said Brar, who estimated that about 400 people came out to either plunge into the water or cheer on the "dippers."

"It's just a lot of fun every year."