L Street Brownies dive into the New Year

SOUTH BOSTON (WHDH) -- The L Street Brownies kept tradition alive as they plunged into the frigid water in South Boston New Year’s Day.

It was a refreshing way to welcome 2013, and a final cleansing of 2012.

“Just made the New Year. Out with the old, in with the new,” one man said.

“A good way to start the New Year,” another man said.

Whatever the reason, some folks decided to strip down for a morning New Year’s dip in Boston Harbor. They participated in the annual L Street Brownies polar plunge.

Shirts and costumes didn’t offer any protection from the 37-degree water temperature. After taking the plunge, the piercing cold had some people reassessing their judgment.

“It was really cold. I’m from Texas. This is like the single worst idea I’ve ever had,” one woman said.

Others were “Freezin for a Reason” like Jacqueline Kennedy, who shaved her head just minutes beforehand.

“My son has been battling leukemia for 10 years so I said that if I could raise $500, I would shave my head. I’ve raised approximately $1,000,” Kennedy said.

Craig Stevenson kept his tradition going this year, even inviting his little sister.

“It was warmer than last year -- well, it seems warmer than last year,” Stevenson said.

Some people even decided to go back in for a second dip.