The annual Alki Beach Polar Plunge on New Year's Day 2023 saw a huge, life affirming resurgence as a a group, estimated to be larger than 1000 people took part. 

They lined the beach twenty or thirty deep in some places from the Alki Bathhouse to well down the shore waiting for organizer Mark Ufkes to raise his bullhorn and call out the countdown.

Precisely at 10am, as promised the call came and, many wearing very little, holding hands, often with kids in tow, dashed into the water, most only lingering for under 10 seconds before running out to seek a warm towel.

Ufkes said, "The Chinese say this is the year of the water rabbit. It means Prosperity, Longevity and Peace, and that's definitely what we need in this country."

Mark Hatcher who wisely went in after the first big rush of folks emerged to say, "It's a great way to end 2022 and bring in 2023, Presence over perfection, courage over comfort. We're doing it this year.Please and blessings."