The Polar Plunge festival in Virginia is a great opportunity for anyone who feels somewhat underwhelmed by the recent cold weather to hit the UK.
Participants from all over the world who feel the need to prove their mettle in freezing conditions are invited to the beach at Atlantic Avenue in the heart of the Virginia Beach ocean front, where those tough enough plunge head first into the icy cold Atlantic Ocean.
All 'plungers' are briefed by safety divers beforehand and warned not to get too carried away with the whole experience as excessive time spent in the cold can lead to pneumonia or even heart attacks.
Once the starting gun goes off, people can either charge headfirst into the water for a swim or paddle around up to their waists.
Some even wear fancy dress costumes to give the occasion a festival feel.
Entrants are charged $100 (£50) for the pleasure and all the money raised goes to the Special Olympics Virginia foundation, which has raised more than $2.5 million (£1.2 million) with the help of over 17,500 people since it began in 1993.
The Polar Plunge takes place on February 3rd.
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