Islanders can start the New Year off with a splash and join about 150 divers for a bone-chilling dip into 2011 at Double Bluff Beach. It’s time for the annual Whidbey Island Polar Bear Dive, which begins at noon on Saturday, Jan. 1 at 6325 Double Bluff Road in Freeland.

The dive was previously scheduled for Freeland Park, but participants asked that the location be changed to the more scenic Double Bluff Beach.

All ages are welcome for the dive. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The $15 registration fee includes the 2011 Whidbey Island Polar Bear Dive event shirt and hot beverages. All proceeds benefit 4-H teen leadership activities on Whidbey Island.

For more information, call the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District at 221-5484 or visit www.swparks.org/special_events.