2023 Padden Polar Dip

Hundreds of people enter and exit the chilly water of Lake Padden at the Padden Polar Dip on Jan. 1. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Participants start off the new year with a loop around the lake during the Resolution 5K Walk/Run before the Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Willadee Worthington-King wears paddle shoes in anticipation of Lake Padden's slick muddy bottom at the Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Costumes were encouraged by Bellingham Parks and Recreation at the Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Jessica Wunschel celebrates her 70th year with a selfie and a dip in Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Kerry Hastings dances in a cloud of soap bubbles before taking part in the Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Reactions vary as people enter and exit Lake Padden's cold water during the 2023 Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Mataio Gillis wears a dog mask as he swims to shore. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Teresa Wolf takes a photo while sporting a winter hat in Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Zeus, a very obedient German shepherd, waits as owner Eli Yakimyuk takes a dip in Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

First out and last in, lifeguards Clara Phundt, left, and Elizabeth Edwards walk to shore at the 2023 Padden Polar Dip. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

2023 Padden Polar Dip

January 1, 2023 at 2:05 p.m.