Hundreds welcome 2025 with a splash during Polar Bear Swim in San Pedro

San Pedro ushered in 2025 on Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, in the traditional way — with a chilled splash into the Pacific Ocean.

The annual Polar Bear Swim drew hundreds, as usual, for the bracing, rejuvenating dip into the sea at Cabrillo Beach. The tradition goes back more than 70 years and includes the ceremonial crowning of the Polar Bear king and queen. This year, the monarchs were Robert Keller and Stella Hernandez, who led the crowds to the shoreline and into the water.

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