Brr-avist of souls take cold plunge

SAVANNAH, Ga. --- About 100 people took to the chilly water just off the Tybee Pier and Pavilion on Tuesday, as about 500 onlookers cheered them on.

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Morris News Service

Tybee Island resident Lynn Frances runs out of the ocean. She wore her old wedding dress and said she took the plunge after her divorce to "let it all go for the new year."

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Morris News Service

In celebration of the new year, Polar Bear Plunge participants young and old run into the cold water near the Tybee Island Pier. About 100 people braved the chilly water Tuesday afternoon.

The seventh annual Polar Bear Plunge has become a New Year's Day tradition for many in the Coastal Empire and beyond.

"We are from outside of Atlanta, but have come to the event for the last three years," said Ben Sellers, who was with his wife, Dianne Farrelly.

But this is the first time they've taken the plunge.

The first year, they just wanted to find out what it was all about.

"Last year, we actually put on our bathing suits and chickened out," Ms. Farrelly said. "We didn't plan on going this year since we were dressed up, but changed our minds at the last minute."

For some, it is a way to shake off the previous night's hangover. Others said they like the thrill of jumping into the cold water.

But for many it is a symbol of a fresh start.

Standing in her wedding dress, Lynn Frances was anxiously waiting for the signal to rush into the frigid water.

"I got divorced about a year ago, and this is the dress I got married in," Ms. Frances said. "The dress will probably be trashed, but then that's the idea."