Blimey that's cold! Will you take the polar plunge?

It's time to break out the Hawaiian shirt and the flippers - the Polar Plunge is back.

The annual midwinter swim will take place at 12 noon on June 25, at Castlecliff beach.

On Friday, two candidates for the Whanganui electorate in this year's elections, Stephanie Lewis from Labour and Nicola Patrick from the Greens, braved the waves as part of a promotion for the event.

Organiser Tyler McDonald said the Polar Plunge was a popular event, which last year attracted around 150 hardy souls.

This year's event is a fundraiser for Whanganui Surf Lifesaving, and participants are asked to bring a gold coin to donate to the cause.

"We're encouraging people to dress up as we have a whole bunch of prizes to give away," Mr McDonald said.

After a dip in the water, particpants are invited to the Castlecliff Club for a free barbecue, hot soup and prizes. Prizes include food vouchers and air tickets, and others.

"Everyone who takes part will get a certificate of participation," Mr McDonald said.

Duncan Pavilion will be open for people to get changed in.

+The Polar Plunge will be held at 12 noon on Sunday, June 25 at Castlecliff beach, Rangiora St.