Polar bear plungers Darlene Snow and Sydney Cramer were dressed for the beach... in July... but nonetheless were there on January 1 to jump in the cold waters of Puget Sound on Alki Beach for the annual event.
The 2016 Alki Beach Polar Bear Plunge was well attended, as usual with as estimated 600 plus brave souls who showed up to prance quickly into the 50 degree water, which as organizer Mark Ufkes pointed out was actually warmer than the 31 degree air temperature. "It's gonna feel good! You'll see!" He shouted to the crowd.
Typically, and likely because so many were scantily clad, the rush to the water's edge happens in the last few minutes before the plunge and this year was no different as the 300 or so early birds on the beach were quickly joined by at least twice as many as the 10 o'clock deadline approached.
After a 10 second countdown, couples, individuals. organizations, and a few dogs all rushed into Puget Sound, splashed about (a few actually immersed themselves) and several tried swimming), and then 10 to 15 seconds later they were out and headed for a towel and some hot chowder provided by Duke's Restaurant.
Ufkes said, "It's always great to be here. We have everything to celebrate in the new year," adding that he is hoping for "peace and prosperity."
