In a community-building event more than two decades old more than 100 "brave souls" from Oak Bay High took to the sea on the last day of school before winter break.
"It becomes this badge of honour," said principal Dave Thomson who led the charge from shore.
At the five minute warning, sweaters started coming off and students were ready for the plunge when he said go. After coaxing the handful of dawdlers demanding to be the last survivors, he allowed a couple latecomers to earn their badge before the students hauled out of the water for a warmup hot chocolate. They all headed back to Oak Bay High for a pancake breakfast to complete the annual ritual.