Hundreds spend New Year's taking Polar Plunge in Waukegan, Illinois
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CBS) -- Hundreds of people kicked off the New Year on Wednesday by taking a nice cold dip in Lake Michigan.
The water temperature was just under 40 degrees along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Waukegan Wednesday. Snow-covered sand nearby also inspired little confidence that Lake Michigan would be anything close to inviting.
Yet people in Waukegan willingly waded through misery for the 26th Annual Waukegan Polar Plunge.
"When you come out in a speedo, it's a little cold," one man said.
"My toes are the only thing that are cold," a woman added. "I wish I would've worn two pairs of socks today."
Whether clad in Speedos or double socks, the consensus was that it was cold this New Year's Day. One woman even fell in the sand on the way into the water—but got back up and made it in.
Plenty of people took the plunge—and they all paid for the privilege too.
Proceeds from the Waukegan Polar Plunge fundraiser go to Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County—making it possible to take part in camps, sports, and health and fitness programs.
Firefighters were present to give high-fives and hold the plungers' hats as they dove.
"It's better than morning coffee," a man said.
It was a polar pick-me-up as the world dipped into 2025.
"Magnificent," a man said. "The year can only get better from this point on."
