Temperatures on South Whidbey dropped just in time for the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Double Bluff Beach Park.

Luckily, there was some sun overhead to warm the 150 people who participated in the event.

Temperatures were in the mid-30s while the water was measured at around 47 degrees. Hundreds of people lined up along the beach and warily eyed the cold water. Dozens of brave men and women shed layers of clothing to ready their bodies for the cold sensation to come.

Aaron Curfman was among them.

Curfman, a South Whidbey High School graduate and current student at Simpson University in Redding, Calif., said it was the second time he’s made the plunge. His experience, however, wasn’t able to curb his reaction when he ventured into the water at about chest height. Though he emerged from the frigid water with an expression of shock at the cold, by the time he left the scene there was a smile across his face. He said he hopes to continue doing the event in the years to come.

“It’s really cold when you first go in, but afterwards it’s a nice relief to feel the warmth of the sun,” Curfman said. “I thought it was awesome. I do it because I’m trying to start a new tradition for me and my future family.”

It was Langley resident Kyle Rapp’s fourth year participating in the event. Rapp, who made the plunge wearing just shorts, said he wanted to emulate a man he remembered seeing in a photo in National Geographic. The picture showed a grey-haired and skinny man hacking away at ice so he could swim in what he said looked like a Siberian lake.

Rapp carried a similar expression as Curfman as he exited the water. He was excited to have done the event again and felt fortunate that the weather was as nice as it was.

“The weather was nice and sunny,” Rapp said. “There’s going to be a day where it’s going to be icy.”

The event was run by the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District and sponsored by the Island County 4-H Teen Leadership Club. Carrie Monforte, program coordinator for the district, said that over 500 people were counted to have attended the plunge. She added that attendees came from as far as the United Kingdom, New York, California, and Arizona.

“It was a great event. It was really fun,” Monforte said. “There were a lot of happy people.”

Jon Gabelein, a leader of the 4-H Teen Leadership Club, felt everything about the event was ideal, from the weather to the turnout.

“I thought it was very cool; it’s the coolest event on Whidbey Island for sure,” Gabelein said.

Monforte said that surveys on how to improve the event were sent out to those who pre-registered.

Rapp said that even if community members don’t wish to participate in the plunge, it’s still an opportunity to watch a fun event.

“Even if you’re not going to jump in, come support people,” Rapp said. “It’s a good community event.”