Polar Bear Plunge 2014 | SLIDESHOW

Hundreds of brave residents began their year with a quick dip in Lake Washington.

Hundreds of brave Renton residents began their year with a quick dip in Lake Washington Wednesday during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Gene Coulon Memorial Park.

The temperature hovered around 40 degrees as the countdown began and the plungers stripped down to their swimsuits and ran into the chilly waters to begin their 2014 with a splash.

Free clam chowder was provided after the plunge by Ivar’s.

Photos by Brian Beckley