Around 250 people braved Okanagan Lake and plunged into 2024 at the 38th annual Kinsmen Polar Bear Dip at Sun Oka beach in Summerland on Jan. 1.

It might have been the warmest polar bear plunge in recent history which brought out more people daring to dip compared to previous years.

The New Year香蕉视频直播檚 Day tradition drew crowds of approximately 700 participants and observers.

For Gerry and Grant, a Summerland father-son duo, the polar bear dip is a 20 year-long tradition.

香蕉视频直播淲e are just on the other side of Trout Creek so we could have swam over but that would be a bit extreme,香蕉视频直播� joked Gerry wearing his housecoat before the big dip.

To say you香蕉视频直播檝e done the polar bear dip, you actually have to go under water, said the two.

香蕉视频直播淵ou have to get your head under. It香蕉视频直播檚 the only way to truly polar bear swim.香蕉视频直播�

Deb Whiles from Penticton has dressed up as the giant polar bear for the past three years and taken the dip. This year, she passed the costume onto her daughter and decided to don an Easter Bunny costume. This was her daughter香蕉视频直播檚 first time taking the plunge.

香蕉视频直播淲e can香蕉视频直播檛 go in too far because the costumes weigh us down,香蕉视频直播� said Wild.

Other unique polar bear dippers spotted taking the plunge was a giant T-Rex, Shrek, a Telatubby, some matching clowns, cowboys and many in Christmas attire.

Once the countdown was on, hundreds ran into the water, with Penticton Search and Rescue in the water for safety. Some brave cold water swimmers stuck around for a full out swim in the lake.

Summerland Kinsmen put together this popular event each New Year香蕉视频直播檚 Day, with donations going back into the community. At this year香蕉视频直播檚 dip they offered hot dogs, hot chocolate and this year, soup as well from Andy at the Legion 香蕉视频直播� all by donation. Polar bear T-shirts and toques were also being sold by donation.

Beach fires were going to keep people warm.