GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Nearly 100 people began 2013 with a plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Lanier.
The Polar Bear Swim returned for its 16th year at the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. The swim is a fundraiser for the club that has participants strip down to their swimsuits and take a quick dip into Lanier.
[ GALLERY: Polar Bear Swim at Lake Lanier ]
Following the jump, hot tubs and a bowls of chili awaited.
The Polar Bear Swim at Lake Lanier is similar to swims across the country at spots like Coney Island, Seattle and Boston.
Organizers estimated both the water and air temperatures at 43 degrees during Tuesday's jump. Rain pounded participants as they walked out onto the dock at the Olympic finish tour at the venue.