Daredevils start 2020 with icy cold polar dive in Wendell

A group of daredevils braved the cold weather on Wednesday and started their new year with a plunge into the water at Mystery Lake Scuba Park.

Divers paid $20 to jump into the 58-degree water, while onlookers paid $5 to watch. All proceeds from the event will be donated to North Carolina Mother's Against Drunk Driving, which works to support victims and advocate for stronger laws.

Festivities began at 10 a.m., while the plunge itself got underway at noon. Normally, divers wear thick dive suits in the frigid water, but participants wore only swimsuits for Wednesday's polar plunge.

Children and adults participated. Trained divers were in the water to assist participants, who did not have to be scuba certified to take the plunge.