Hāwea residents and visitors alike plunged into the nine degree celsius water of Lake Hāwea yesterday (Sunday June 23) to celebrate the winter solstice.

The annual event was organised this year by Jess Clark, Craig Smith, and Kaz Armstrong Smith - members of the Hāwea Hangouts social group.

Craig, Kaz and their daughter Mackenzie (13), took the plunge wearing their Hāwea Karate gis (uniforms) to promote the local karate dojo.

“This is also a really fun way to connect with the community,” Mackenzie told the Wānaka App.

Two of the event organisers, Kaz and Craig, exit the water after taking the plunge in their Hāwea Karate gis (uniforms).

There was drama when police officer Lorne Capell chased two fugitives down the jetty, exhorting them not to jump into the water, before scooping the two black-clad figures (his wife and daughter) into the water with him.

Two brothers visiting from Brisbane, Max (15) and Sam (17), who were used to swimming in 20 degree water, told the Wānaka App it was fun swimming in the cold lake and they would do it again. 

Brisbane brothers Max (15) and Sam (17) enjoy the sausage sizzle after their plunge. 

Local brothers Finn (7) and George (5) took a little bit longer to enter the water but were both well rewarded with applause and ice cream.

Five-year-old George takes the plunge.

Daniel (12) was not looking forward to going in for his first polar plunge, but afterward he told the Wānaka App he felt energised and “would definitely do it again”.

All the children who jumped from the Hāwea jetty received a free Mr Whippy ice cream. There were also hot drinks, sausages, cheese rolls and soup available for both jumpers and spectators.

Hāwea librarian Jess Clark said the water was “not too bad”. 

Hāwea Community Association member Colleen Carr said it was “a really good turnout” for the Polar Plunge, despite the cold weather.

Hāwea Hangouts also organised an “extremely successful” annual bonfire night last month, she said, which attracted about 300 people, mainly young families.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App