Austinites take the plunge in Barton Springs on New Year's Day

AUSTIN, Texas - Thursday morning while some slept off their new year's eve celebrations, others got up early and plunged into the Barton Springs pool!

New Year's Day marked the 35th Annual Friends of Barton Springs Pool Polar Bear Club Splash.

The pool is fed by underground springs so it stays 68 to 70 degrees year round but Thursday morning's cold temperatures made for a chilly backdrop.

This year's special polar bear "leaper" was outgoing Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

Previous guests have included Sheriff Greg Hamilton and Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey.