Polar Bear Swimmers Welcome 2017 with Icy Plunge into Lake Ontario

Hundreds of New Years revellers plunged into the ice-cold waters of Lake Ontario on New Year's Day, braving the cold for the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip in support of Habitat for Humanity in Toronto. The Polar Bear Dip, also referred to as the Polar Bear Plunge, is an annual event traditionally held on New Year's Day in Canada to celebrate the coming year in which the participants go to a local lake and strip down to swimming wear as well as some other festive articles of clothing, such as Santa hats, before taking a dip in the ice cold waters. Participants also donate some funds to a good cause. All the money raised in the Polar Plunge goes towards building affordable housing for low-income families and those in need.Would you ever want to ring in the new year by taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge?