On a chilly January morning, hundreds of Austinites crowded Barton Springs Municipal Pool to celebrate the start of 2025 with a polar plunge.
The background
The tradition is over 45 years old, according to nonprofit Save Our Springs Alliance, who presents the event. Officials with the nonprofit tabled Jan. 1 near the pool offering merchandise to commemorate the event, in addition to free coffee and donuts.
The free event, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., brought Austinites young and old to the pool to celebrate. Anyone was able to jump into the pool at anytime throughout the day. Local officials, including Mayor Kirk Watson, also attended on Jan. 1.
