At 10 a.m. Jan. 1, on a sunny yet windy day, a handful of islanders plunged into the cold water at KVI beach.

It was all part of the first annual Vashon Seals Swimming Team’s “Polar Plunge,” according to the assistant coach, Karl Stetson. The seals put a note on Facebook informing the community of the plunge to see who would show up. Additionally, there was a 2 p.m. plunge the same day. This crowd has been meeting for several years to do the polar bear plunge.

Finn Stetson, 13, who has been a member of the swim team for the last three years, looked pensive before the 10 a.m. plunge.

“If you do it quickly you can go back home,” Finn said.

The countdown began and the entire event was over in minutes.

“A new decade and I thought I’d go baptize myself one more time,” said Susan Parsons, a master swimmer.

Other supporters, warm in their coats, stood on the beach and cheered on the plungers.

Richard Boehm did the plunge in 2019 and this was his second time.

“When I jumped in it was kinda heart-stopping,” he told The Beachcomber. “I’ll do it again next year. It was fun.”

Later the same day, the second group of plungers, jumped in after the “Final Countdown” was played. There were fancy dress swimming costumes and a festive vibe on the beach.

The Vashon Seals swim team winter session begins Jan. 8. For more information, visit vashonseals.org.