Around 250 people braved Okanagan Lake and plunged into 2024 at the 38th annual Kinsmen Polar Bear Dip at Sun Oka beach in Summerland on Jan. 1.

It might have been the warmest polar bear plunge in recent history which brought out more people daring to dip compared to previous years.

The New Year鈥檚 Day tradition drew crowds of approximately 700 participants and observers.

For Gerry and Grant, a Summerland father-son duo, the polar bear dip is a 20 year-long tradition.

鈥淲e are just on the other side of Trout Creek so we could have swam over but that would be a bit extreme,鈥� joked Gerry wearing his housecoat before the big dip.

To say you鈥檝e done the polar bear dip, you actually have to go under water, said the two.

鈥淵ou have to get your head under. It鈥檚 the only way to truly polar bear swim.鈥�

Deb Whiles from Penticton has dressed up as the giant polar bear for the past three years and taken the dip. This year, she passed the costume onto her daughter and decided to don an Easter Bunny costume. This was her daughter鈥檚 first time taking the plunge.

鈥淲e can鈥檛 go in too far because the costumes weigh us down,鈥� said Wild.

Other unique polar bear dippers spotted taking the plunge was a giant T-Rex, Shrek, a Telatubby, some matching clowns, cowboys and many in Christmas attire.

Once the countdown was on, hundreds ran into the water, with Penticton Search and Rescue in the water for safety. Some brave cold water swimmers stuck around for a full out swim in the lake.

Summerland Kinsmen put together this popular event each New Year鈥檚 Day, with donations going back into the community. At this year鈥檚 dip they offered hot dogs, hot chocolate and this year, soup as well from Andy at the Legion 鈥� all by donation. Polar bear T-shirts and toques were also being sold by donation.

Beach fires were going to keep people warm.