IN PHOTOS: The crazy, freezing New Year dips!

We present images of brave souls across the world taking part in New Year's Day dips in freezing waters!

Opening photograph: Revellers participate in the New Year's Day Looney Dook swim at South Queensferry, Scotland.

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Participants run into Lake Washington during the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seattle, Washington, DC.

Hundreds participated in the chilly New Year's Day tradition, organised by Seattle Parks and Recreation and held at Matthews Beach.

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Participants run into English Bay during the 94th annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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A man jumps into a hole cut in the ice on the Ottawa River during the annual Great Canadian Chill polar bear dip in Ottawa, Canada.

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People participate in the annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club dip, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing organisation in the United States and every New Year's Day holds the winter plunge which attracts thousands of participants.

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People pose next to a polar bear costume worn by two participants in English Bay during the 94th annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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People participate in the annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club dip, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.