Though a slightly psychotic idea, it's a tradition for many and Jan. 1, 2012 was no exception. Hundreds of locals took to the sands of North Kingstown Town Beach Sunday afternoon for the 39th Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Mixing it up this year, the West Bay Family YMCA held a costume contest which saw everything form Santa costumes to cheeseheads. With temperatures holding at a balmy 52º for most of the afternoon, goose bumps and chattering teeth were largely absent. (Well, at least before people jumped in nearly freezing cold water they were absent.)

Sunday's plunge was also in memory of YMCA employee Beth Keough who passed away earlier this year.

Have photos from the Polar Bear Plunge? Add them here!