WORLDWIDE — Polar bear swims date back at least one hundred years in different countries. The first recorded U.S. polar bear swim took place in Boston in 1904.

AUSTIN FORECAST | SAN ANTONIO FORECAST

In many Canadian communities, plunging into icy water for a swim is a New Year’s Day tradition. Vancouver’s annual Polar Bear Swim Club has been active since 1920 and usually has 1,000 to 2,000 registered participants every New Year’s Day, with a record 2,128 registrants taking part in the Polar Bear Swim in English Bay in 2000.

In the Netherlands, nearly 10,000 people have been diving into the icy cold sea water at Scheveningen, The Netherlands’ main beach resort town, since 1960. It's estimated that in the Netherlands, 30,000 people take part in what they call “Nieuwjaarsduik” (New Year’s dive) every year.

If feeling brrrrave, here are a few pools in the area that will be ready to receive you: 

Barton Springs Pool: 9 a.m. Jan. 1. Admission to the pool is free all day, starting at 5 a.m. Save Our Springs will set up at 9 a.m. with commemorative shirts for sale, and free coffee and donuts! Everything is first come, first serve. 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin.

Blanco Woods: 2 p.m. Jan. 1 Second annual plunge. Gift card raffles for attendees. If interested, just show up or contact Alex Hill at 210-748-7369. 13423 Blanco Road, San Antonio.

Morris Park and Pool: Noon to 3 p.m. The City of Elgin's hosting a plunge this year if you dare. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided. 803 Avenue C, Elgin. 

Kyle Pool: 1 p.m. Jan. 1. Take part in the Kyle tradition — 2018 will be the 14th annual SPLASH. If you have questions about the event, email Taylor Ray at parks@cityofkyle.com or call 512-262-3939. 1100 W Center St., Kyle.

Scott Mentzer Pool: 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 1. Are you brave enough to slide into the pfrigid Pflugerville water o kick off your new year? Participants must be in line by 10 a.m., as the event goes quickly. Pfirst 50 people will receive a pfree T-shirt. Admission is pfree with donation of a canned food item given to benefit local pfood banks. For information, contact Suzie Galloway at 512-990-6358 or email suzieg@pflugervilletx.gov. 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, Pflugerville.

Schertz YMCA: 10 a.m. Jan. 6. The Schertz YMCA invites all to its fundraising Polar Bear Plunge! In addition to the plunge at Pickrell Park Pool, this family-friendly event includes s’mores and hot chocolate. 703 Oak St., Schertz.

Know of a pool that's hosting a plunge that we're missing? Email us at txnewsdesk@charter.com to let us know so we can add it!