More than a dozen thrill-seekers braved the frigid waters of Kempenfelt Bay for the 7th annual New Year's Day Josef Polcz polar bear dip.
With a water temperature of 2 degrees, the dippers ran in and quickly out at Centennial Beach- except for the organizer.
Josef Polcz of Barrie took a leisurely swim for several minutes prompting applause from spectators.
"That's cold. Very cold," said Polcz. "It's a shock. I like the shock value of it."
The polar bear dip is an annual tradition that Polcz uses to help charity.
This time he urged participants and spectators to bring donations for the Barrie food bank.
Scott Matthews joined his buddy Steve Varga and wound up going in twice, the second time to accompany a woman who arrived late.
"It was fun. Wasn't actually as bad as I thought it was gonna be but the second one - it burns," Matthews said with a laugh.
His friend Varga heard about the dip and wanted to do it for the experience.
"It's a bucket list thing. Why not have some fun,"said Varga, who like the rest of the dippers was shivering after the plunge.
"It's cold! Very cold! Brain freeze," exclaimed Varga. "Pins and needles."
One woman who ran in wearing her bathing suit shouted "I wanted to do this before I turned 70!" as she emerged triumphantly from the water.
With now seven polar bear dips under his belt and lots of cold water swimming, Polcz takes it all in stride.
"I train - and I'm a bit crazy," said Polcz.
