Bayville Polar Bears took to the cold Long Island Sound waters at 12:00 sharp this New Year's Day, appreciating the warm sunshine. Taking the plunge this year was much different from last year's first annual swim, when temperatures were in the 50s. About 100 residents attended.

"Our group, mostly all residents of Bayville, have started a tradition that unites the neighborhood and gets everyone together for a New Year's celebration," says Jacques Beauchamp, swim organizer. "We began the tradition for the Millennium Year. The resulting camaraderie was beautiful, enough to get us out here each year." Centered on a beachfront patio, the party includes a hot hot-tub for swimmers, bonfire, lots of bratwurst and snacks and plenty of champagne.

Ten swimmers took the icy swim this year, while last year's group numbered over 20 swimmers. The swimmers from Bayville were Jacques and Missy Beauchamp, party planners, and their daughter Nadine, John and Stephanie Durst, party hosts at their beach home, William Caruso, Mark Holland, Greg Johnson, Barry Parker, Carla Panetta and Jeanne Zaino. One family attending hit the waters together; father, mother, and 10-year-old daughter. Two especially robust men took the plunge three times throughout the day, enjoying the exhilarating rush more each time.

Hot tub owner and naturalist John Durst had this to say: "Next year I'm going in naked!"