Photo gallery: Dozens say hello to 2025 with polar plunge into muddy Mon

Participants brave the waters of the Monongahela River on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

A unit from Pittsburgh River Rescue watches along the Monongahela River before participants dive into the chilly waters on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Participants brave the waters of the Monongahela River on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

A large crowd gathered Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Participants plunge into the Monongahela River on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Scott Walton, of Blairsville, laughs while with his wife, Heather Walton, right, after he dived into the waters of the Monongahela River dresses as Superman on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Participants brave the waters of the Monongahela River on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Some participants dive face first into the waters of the Monongahela River on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.

Joe Vojtecky, of McKees Rocks, who’s been taking the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge since 2008, looks out over the Monongahela River after dozens of participants dived into the chilly waters on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge hosted by the Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club.