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L Street Brownies Swim
New Year’s in Boston consists of more than just fireworks, champagne, and staying up until midnight to ring in the New Year. For over a century, the L Street Brownies of South Boston have been starting the New Year off to with chilly bang. They celebrate the annual holiday with an annual early morning swim on January 1st in the icy winter waters of Dorchester Bay, the smallest bay of the Boston Harbor.
History of the Swim
The L Street Brownies Swim takes place annually and has been dubbed the “Polar Bear Plunge.” The tradition dates back to 1904, making this Boston group one of the oldest polar bear swims in the nation. At first only men were allowed to participate. It wasn’t until the 1980s that women took the plunge as well. The tradition originated with European immigrant communities who took swims in icy waters often, believing that they promoted good health and a strong immune system.
The name “L Street” comes from the Boston beach that serves as the meeting point before the swim, and the term “Brownies” pokes fun at the swimmers brown skin color after spending a day in the sun. The club now makes it home at the James M. Curley Community Center near the beach.
Some swimmers solidify the good luck of the tradition by returning to Dorchester Bay for a second swim on January 2nd. A few have even been known to take a cold dip on a daily basis.
Participating in the L Street Brownies Swim
Children, parents, and seniors are welcome to participate in the polar bear swim, and registration is free. Many brave the wintry waters for a good cause – to raise money for charity, to make a New Year’s resolution, or just as something fun to do with friends. Many more come to watch and support those who dare brave the freezing sea. Outfits of all kinds are welcome, so you are sure to see some people clad in bikinis, suits, trunks, speedos, and other zany swimwear and costumes. Come out for a good laugh as a spectator, or take the plunge yourself!
Giving Back to Boston
Each year’s swim is dedicated to those Brownies who are recently deceased and no longer with us. Any donations go to the South Boston Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund which is given to high school seniors in the South Boston area. A donation of $1 is suggested at registration and gets you an official membership card to the L Street Brownies.
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