MNN - Mother Nature Network

Hundreds of ambitious swimmers, many decked out in costumes, brave the frigid waters of the River Forth on Jan. 1 while participating in the annual Loony Dook Swim near the Forth Rail Bridge in South Queensferry, Scotland.

 

Decked out in multi-colored leis and grass skirts, Natalie Tuccia and Sarah Johnston put their arms around another swimmer on Jan. 1 after jumping in the freezing water of Scotland's River Forth.

 

Priceless reactions
Young men wearing orange swimming caps react to the frigid waters of Scotland's River Forth on Jan. 1 after plunging in to celebrate the new year along with hundreds of other swimmers.

 

Across the pond, people and robots alike show up to the shores of Coney Island beach on Jan. 1 take part in the annual New Year's Day swim organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

The annual event attracts hundreds who want to celebrate the first day of the new year with icy Atlantic waters and temperatures in the upper 30's.

 

A woman wearing a Santa hat and a red polka dot bathing suit reacts to the frigid water on Jan. 1 during the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's New Year's Day swim in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

A man wearing a costume made of Metrocards wades into the frigid Atlantic waters on Jan. 1 during the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's New Year's Day swim in Brooklyn, N.Y.