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Swimmers brace for annual New Year's harbor dip

BOSTON (AP) - Hundreds of brave or foolhardy swimmers are planning to mark the first frigid day of 2014 with a refreshing dip in Boston Harbor.

Organizers of one of Boston's oldest traditions estimate that as many as 600swimmers will plunge into the harbor for the annual "L Street Brownies NewYear's Day Swim" in the city's South Boston neighborhood.

The event has taken place for over 100 years.

Organizers say the Brownies are the oldest "polar bear" swimming club in America and promote health, fun and friendship.

The swim starts at 9:30 a.m., when temperatures are expected to be well below freezing.

Donations from the swim go to the South Boston Sports Hall of FameScholarship Fund to be awarded to South Boston residents who are high school seniors.