CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — More than a dozen community members came out and tested their strength in the Clearwater Polar Plunge on Saturday.

The water was around 48 degrees when people jumped in, including 8 On Your Side’s Alessandra Young. Because of the cold weather, precautions were set up in place to make sure everyone could do this polar plunge in a safe and controlled environment.

Both children and adults participated in the popular event known as the “Polar Plunge.”

“It’s a good way to start the year, the year brings what it brings and so, this is a good way to start it, just challenging yourself,” said Jennifer Johnson.

Jennifer Johnson and her 10-year-old son, Charlie, do this event in Clearwater every year.

“I feel fine, I feel good, it’s cold, obviously, but we’re used to it,” Johnson said.

Charlie said doing this energizes him for the day, and it is both a physical and mental challenge.

“I have training today, so, that’s kind of why I’m doing it today. So, it wakes me up for my training,” he added.

With the colder weather that has been hitting Florida, there were extra precautions in place.

“We have six lifeguards that are going to be on duty today and we also have Clearwater Fire Department that will be on-site,” said Shaun Beasley with the city. “We don’t anticipate any problems. The water being 48 degrees— we’re going to limit everybody being in the pool to 30 minutes max just to be safe.”

The Johnsons, along with many others, stuck it out for the full 30 minutes.

This year, Sean Beasley with the city, said the water was already cold enough for people to jump right in.

“In the past five years, the water’s been so warm that we had to keep bringing ice into the pool to cool the pool down,” he said.

The goal is for the community to come out and enjoy time together.

“There’s no health risks on what we’re doing here today, I mean the water’s still going up, it’s going to be over 50 degrees before we get in it,” Beasley added.

“Some of our neighbors come out, and we have friends that come out and cheer us on. So, it is a good time to come out here with everybody and suffer together,” Jennifer Johnson said.

With the colder weather, it’s important people take precautions to keep themselves, their families, and pets safe. For more, click here.