Hundreds Start The New Year Off Plunging Into Frigid South Boston Waters

BOSTON (CBS) --  The annual L Street Brownies' New Year's Day Swim is like a community baptism.

"It's such a cleansing," one participant said.

Hundreds flocked to the Dorchester bay Friday morning to dive into the waters of the new year. The 40-degree waters -- besides cold -- is revitalizing.

Many gathered to wash off the mistakes of 2015, and to run eyes wide open into the arms of a new year.

One happy swimmer told me that the Polar Plunge is like "getting drunk without drinking." pic.twitter.com/Eh90cUOeKW

— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) January 1, 2016

The swim is one of the oldest traditions in Boston, taking place the first of each year for over a century. The Brownies are the oldest "polar bear" swimming club in the country.

A first-time participant called the experience, "a little crazy, a little insane."

"I've just gotta get out there and enjoy the new year," he said.

Happy New year! pic.twitter.com/qNfrDhmwpm

— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) January 1, 2016

WBZ News Radio 1030's Carl Stevens reports