The annual Alki Beach Polar Bear Plunge was begun at 10am sharp as organizer Mark Ufkes counted down on his bullhorn to the hundreds of barely clothed participants.
Choosing to remain full clothed however were the Amateur Softball Association umpires who plunged into the 46 degree water believe it or not to stay warm since the air temperature was 31 degrees, despite the sunny day.

It was, as always, a VERY brief event with most dashing into and out of the water in less than 30 seconds. Still some hardy souls chose to go for the full immersion treatment, or were pushed to do so.

After the cold came the hot in the form of free chowder provided by Dukes Chowder house across the street from the plunge site.

Offices said that 2015 is "year of the sheep... a year of nurturing, encouragement and positive nature."