12th Annual Polar Bear Swim

SILVER CREEK, N.Y. (WIVB) - It could not have been better timing for the 12th Annual Polar Bear Swim on a Spring-like Sunday in the middle of January.

Temperatures peaked above 60 degrees outside, but the water temperature in Lake Erie was a chilling 42 degrees.

No matter what the temperature, the swimmers come back year after year for the annual plunge.

Plunger Irma Conant said it's a great, fun way for the community to come together and raise money for a good cause. 

The Polar Bear Swim raises money for the Variety Kids Telethon and other local charitable causes.

There is always a lot of competition to go along with the craziness of the event, especially for the regulars such as Eric Jakubowski who sees the same people every year.

The costumes people wear are always a hit, and by the looks of many, they will wear whatever it takes to pump themselves up for the cold plunge.