Dozens gathered on the chilly morning of Jan. 1, 2014 to ring in the new year with a splash in the Gulf of Mexico. South Walton Fire District hosted their annual Polar Bear Splash with a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at the Ed Walline Beach access in Santa Rosa Beach.
With an air temperature of 52 degrees and water temp of 65 degrees, the 32 participants spent little time in the water. However, it was all in good fun and raised money for the District’s Department Relations Committee.
Some dressed in costume for the event include a group donned in Village People outfits. A bonfire was waiting to warm the attendees after the dip.