Dozens participate in Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge on frigid New Year's Day in Lake Michigan

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) -- The 27th annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge took place in frigid weather Thursday morning: It's a New Year's Day tradition.

The annual event is a benefit to fund recreational services for those with disabilities in northern Lake County.

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Highs on New Year's Day are in the 20s, with lows in the teens.

Those brave enough to face the ice cold water of Lake Michigan gathered at Waukegan Municipal Beach.

"It is always inspiring to see so many brave individuals plunging into cold waters to raise funds that will benefit individuals with disabilities. Even in the cold, Waukegan shows up with warm hearts," Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said in a statement.

Dozens took the plunge.

"It was exhilarating, freezing. This is just a great way to bring in the new year," Mauricio Valencia said.

"Cold, it stings a little bit, but after you get in there for a while you get used to it," Michael Schmidt said.

For many, it was a special personal achievement to kick off 2026.

"It's been physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually transformative," one participant said.

Cunningham was among the crowd cheering on people Thursday, but he says it was a bit too cold for him to get in the water.

"They texted me, 'mayor, we'll put you in a wet suit.' And I thought the wet suit was warm. No, it just keeps you dry, yeah no thank you," he said.

Others embraced the experience all together as a family.

"It was great. They were very brave; I didn't think they'd actually do it, but they showed up and went for it," Valencia said.

There were certainly a lot more people watching than plunging Thursday.