Hundreds turn out for shivery, New Year’s Day plunge into Barton Springs Pool

AUSTIN (KXAN) — No, they weren’t pushed. Hundreds of people made the conscious decision to go out this cold New Year’s Day morning to take the Polar Bear Splash into Barton Springs Pool.
This was the 38th year to take the plunge, and admission to the pool was free all day Monday.
With its constant 68-degree temperature – it seems the water may have felt nice.
“The water — once you jump in — is pretty warm,” said Austin Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo. &l