Polar Bear Dip tradition returns to Clayton's Beach Bar

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The annual Polar Bear Dip is returning to South Padre Island on New Year's Day.

A polar bear dip is a tradition where people across the world ring in the new year by taking a "dip" into the water all at once.

The tradition is a way for people to cleanse off the old year and enter with a fresh start.

Clayton's Beach Bar will host the 27th annual event on New Year's Day.

Registration to attend the Polar Bear Dip opens at 10 a.m. Jan. 1. The dip will happen at noon.