Polar Bears brave the breeze

Wild winds and cold temperatures were no deterrent for the participants in the annual Polar Bear swim in Cowes on Sunday September 1.

The recent run of severe weather meant numbers on Sunday were down on last year, but the swim was perfectly timed to miss the rain. Around 40 swimmers took the plunge, with a smaller group leaping off the San Remo pier.

The Polar Bear swim has been running since 2008.

From just four people at the first Polar Bear swim, it has grown steadily until last year when there were nearly 100 swimmers, including three of the four original Bears.

The fun community swim is open to anyone willing to brave the icy waters.

There is no formal registration and no age restrictions. However, there are three firm rules in place for the fun event: No wetsuits, no nudity and you must put your head under the water.