Winter swimmers with the Polar Bear club called the dip "invigorating."
Intrepid Bronx bathers took to the frigid waters of Orchard Beach last Saturday afternoon for the Polar Bear Plunge.
With dozens of onlookers cheering them on, about 60 half-clad daredevils took a dip in the 41-degree Long Island Sound in what organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
"We look at it as a fun way to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and the waterfront in all seasons," said organizer Michael "Max" Knobbe.
"In a borough with pretty devastating health statistics, we want to encourage people to turn that around and forge a pathway to fitness," added Knobbe, executive director of BronxNet, a public access television station.
The teeth-chattering revelry drew "plungers" from all over the city, including members of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club.
The Bronx Polar Bears first embarked on this frigid pre-Valentine's Day adventure last year. In a show of solidarity, a handful of Bronx Polar Bears who have since "migrated" to Latvia and Oregon organized plunges timed to the local event.
For first-timer Tony Schultz, 35, of Riverdale, the plunge was "invigorating."
Schultz stayed in for four minutes - in neck-deep water-Bronx before retreating to the shore.
"It took about four hours for my feet to come back to life," he laughed, "but it was definitely fun."
Schultz added he would definitely do it again.
"I'm always supportive of any kind of Bronx community development activity," he said, then laughed, "especially if it's mildly exhibitionist."
tsamuels@nydailynews.com
