As the East Coast marks one of the warmest winters on record and our local temps dip down into legitimately chilly weather, the annual New Year's Day Penguin Swim on Venice Beach will be almost as cold as the polar bear plunge taking place on New York's Coney Island beach, one of the most popular of the plunges, which drew more than two thousand swimmers into the numbingly cold Atlantic last year. 

For comparison, our local waters will be about 58 degrees, and at Coney Island, 48 degrees—it's usually closer to 35 this time of year.  

The brisk dip into the Pacific will be held at the Breakwater at the end of Windward Ave. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Everyone in the water by noon. Last year about 150 swimmers braved the chilly surf and two among them were crowed penguin prince and princess for the quickest 400-yard lap around a buoy. Dare to take home the victory and bragging rights for 2016 or opt for the 100-yard "fun" course. 

Everyone who finishes will be rewarded with a certificate, snacks and, best of all, a hot drink. 

More New Year's Fun // Where To Ring In 2016