ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Dozens of brave swimmers took the plunge Saturday morning, leaping into a frigid swimming pool for a good cause. "It's a family tradition, it's a way to ring in the new year with family, with friends, with co-workers," says participant Kent Vigil, aquatics division manager with the Department of Parks and Recreation. This is the fifth year the City of Albuquerque has hosted its annual Polar Plunge. Families gathered at Sierra Vista Pool, where 124 people jumped into the 41-degree water. Proceeds from the event go toward the Shanta Strong Swim Fund, which provides swimming lessons for Albuquerque youth. Report: City of Albuquerque misused federal funds to give bonuses to high-ranking staff Those who participate say, it has benefits for them too. "It's a shock to the system, it really does wake you up," Vigil says. "It takes some time to get used to, but after you do, you feel so awake and so alert you know, it's good to get uncomfortable sometimes," says Devon Sandoval, who took the plunge. The city says this year saw a bigger turnout than years past. Almost $6,000 was raised for the swim fund.