BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () – For many, the start of a new year is marked by resolutions, celebrations, and family traditions.

for hundreds of Lowcountry residents, however, it’s a different kind of tradition. One that involves taking a dip into the icy waters of the coast.

Every New Year’s Day, crowds gather along the Lowcountry beaches to take part in the iconic Pelican Plunge at Hunting Island.

It’s a ritual that never changes. A wild dash from the sand, a deep breath, and then plunging headfirst into the frigid waters. The sensation described by one participant, “Not bad, actually! Just numb.”

This year marked the 16th Annual Pelican Plunge, where hundreds of people lined the shore to take the plunge and kick off the year in a way that’s become a staple of Lowcountry life.

For many locals, it’s an unmissable event. This year, there were also visitors who came from out of town, eager to take on the challenge as part of their own journey into 2025.

“I thought, you know, there’s things you can do, like you can jump out of a plane or go bungee jump. And I’m thinking I’m going to go into the ocean in cold temperatures. Seems like a doable thing. Small steps,” said one participant, who traveled from Columbia, South Carolina to take part in the plunge.

Whether it’s checking off an item from their bucket list or simply wanting to try something different, these participants share a sense of adventure. And the cold waters of the Lowcountry offer the perfect chance to do just that.

For those on the other side of the coast, the New Year’s dive took place at the 2^nd annual Pirate Plunge in Port Royal. Brave souls launched themselves into the chilly Beaufort River, celebrating with claps, cheers, and a shared sense of excitement.

As one plunger put it, “It’s good to start the year with a fresh polar plunge in this freezing water.” And while the temperatures may be bone-chilling, it’s the spirit of the event that keeps people coming back for more. “I can only hope and pray that this brings good luck to me,” said another participant.

Whether motivated by tradition, luck, or the thrill of the moment, these plunges represent a shared experience of embracing the new year with enthusiasm and a bit of cold-water shock.

Each plunge comes with a cause: funds raised from the Pelican Plunge at Hunting Island go back to supporting the park, while Port Royal’s Pirate Plunge benefits the CAPA Foundation. While the waters may be cold, the hearts are warm as locals and visitors alike brave the elements for a good cause.