“We cleansed our souls for 2012.” That was the assessment of one participant at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Polar Bear Plunge held at Rocky Point recreation area on New Year’s day.

The event marked a first for NAS Whidbey’s fitness center, which hosted the plunge and the Resolution 5K run through Gallery Golf course which preceded it.

More than 55 people signed up for the plunge, and about 80 completed the 5K run, said NAS Whidbey fitness trainer Brad Sandefur.

“We’re really pleased with the turn-out for both events — it’s surpassed our expectations,” said Sandefur. He credited the weather, which, thanks to no rain and calm air, “has really not been that bad.”

Afternoon temperatures in the mid-40’s hindered neither runners nor swimmers, among whom were Marine Pvt. First Class Sean Glick.

“I love to run,” explained Glick. As for the Polar Bear Plunge?

“Well, you have to be a little crazy to do that,” laughed Glick, explaining that he would be taking the plunge as well.

Former Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Marisol Smith said she also planned to participate in both.

“I saw (the events) on the website, and thought it would be a fun way to bring in the new year,” said Smith, whose husband is retired Navy.

Runners and swimmers of all ages took part in both events. Logan Clark, 13 years old, finished the Resolution 5K first. Parents pushing strollers with toddlers across the finish line took their turn standing with others warming up by the bonfire tended by volunteer Ken King, who probably had the most enviable job of all on the chilly day.

As the swimmers lined up on the beach at Rocky Point, they listened to final instructions from fitness center volunteers overseeing the Polar Bear Plunge.

“You have to completely submerge yourself in the ocean, before running back to the beach,” said one. Swimmers age 16 and under had to be accompanied by a parent at all times.

At the signal, it was a mad dash into the water by all, young and old alike, and even a dog or two.

It took only an instant, it seemed, to completely submerge. As soon as the shivering participants ran back to the beach, they were enveloped in warm towels, fuzzy robes or blankets to take off the chill before heading back up the hill to the bonfire.

“This really wasn’t that bad, once you actually do it,” said Glick, standing with Sandefur and Dave Wald, who both agreed.

“Truthfully, I’ve been through Chiefs’ initiations, where we swam in water about this cold,” said Wald.

“What’s cold is just standing there, waiting, while they are talking and giving out instructions,” he said.

Afterward, participants headed to the cabin at Rocky Point for hot chocolate, cider, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Prizes were handed out, as well as commemorative towels for the swim event.

The entire experience was refreshing, and a good way to reflect on the new year ahead, said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) First Class Matthew Thurgood, with wife, Katelyn, and children Joseph, Parker and 18-month-old Jemma.

“Believe it or not, the water actually felt warmer than the air on the beach,” said Thurgood, “but it’s all been awesome.”