Mia Leccese, 9, Krista Canetti, 11, Carly Havenick, 9, and Vianne Kelly, 12, from left, participate in the annual First Swim or Dip of the Year in San Pedro. The event is presented by the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears. (Christina House / For The Times)
Hundreds of swimmers brave the cold waters during the New Year’s Day tradition. (Christina House / For The Times)
Phil Ketterle checks the water temperature before the 29th annual Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos, on the Central Coast. (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)
Owen Clark, 8, sporting festive sunglasses, waits for the Cayucos event to begin. (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)
One participant escapes the cold water as others rush into the Cayucos surf. (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)
