Decatur's Polar Bear Plunge brings invigorating start to new year for 150 swimmers

Jan. 1—Carmen Birch and Elijah Gilbert, both 19, donned fishnet gloves and red-and-blue tutus Sunday for Decatur's annual Polar Bear Plunge at Ingalls Harbor.

The tradition of jumping in the Tennessee River on New Year's Day supports the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama's (CAPNA) Meals on Wheels program, feeding families throughout the region.

At least 150 people attended the dip into the river.

CAPNA CEO Tim Thrasher said he was not yet sure how much the event raised through T-shirt sales and donations, but he was pleased with the turnout.

Birch and Gilbert said they were upholding Gilbert's family tradition of starting the new year with a chill.

"It was colder than I anticipated," Birch said. It was her second time participating. "When you first jump in, it's an initial immediate burning. You start to swim, and it feels like such a long time.

"But it was fun, and I'd definitely do it again."

Gilbert said he related jumping in the cold water to starting a new year.

"You hit the water, and you're in a completely new spot," he said. "It's the same way with the new year."

Birch said she felt the Polar Bear Plunge invigorated her.

"It felt like waking up for a second time," she said. "This is like a hard reset."