GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Northern Michigan divers started the new year with a cold plunge.

A New Year’s Day dive took place at Clinch Park Marina into Grand Traverse Bay.

Scuba North, a diving center in Traverse City, organizes the annual event.

Instructors said winter conditions, like less boats and algae on the water, make it easier to see underwater.

And this winter, it’s been a lot easier to persuade people to dive when the temperature is higher.

“I think it keeps everyone’s minds focused a little bit more on going out,” said Scuba North owner Bob Thorpe.

Water temperatures are still cold, but having the air temperatures being where they are, now instead of being 20 below and the wind blowing really hard, makes it a lot more enjoyable day to be out,” Thorpe said.

If you’re interested in learning to dive, Scuba North offers beginner classes.