The Polar Plunge attracted hundreds of people for the annual dive into Lake George's frigid waters to kick off the New Year. This year's event benefited the Shriners Children's Hospital in Springfield, Mass. 

"It's a good way to start the New Year, definitely a very refreshing morning for us," said Shannon Fitzpatrick, plunging for the second year.

"We had to shed our bad 2018 skin and come out fresh for 2019," said another participant, Keeley. 

But this year's temperature was a little easier on the plungers.

"Last year it was like, zero degrees, so this year felt pretty nice," said Kelly Fitzpatrick, who has taken part for the last three years.

But for rookies Spencer and Josie Jahng, this wasn't part of their original itinerary.

"It was a great experience to take part in this New Year's tradition," Spencer Jahng said.

"We were going up to ski in Vermont and we figured we'd stop by on the way because we heard about it and I'm glad we came," said Josie Jahng.

They weren't the only ones who made a detour.

"We decided at the last minute to do the Polar Plunge today and it was an amazing experience with our friends and family," said Alyssa Pelech.

And even though it was a family affair, there might be a little debate about the water at the dinner table tonight.

“[It was] very cold," said Gina Thompson.

"Actually if you think about it, it wasn't that bad, because the only thing that's cold is our toes right now, everything else is pretty good," said Cameron Thompson.

At the end of the day... 

"It's something I've always wanted to do," Gina Thompson said.

"We survived!" said Pelech.

The Pelechs and Thompsons said they plan to make the Polar Plunge an annual tradition.