Stripping off for a brisk dip to mark the winter solstice and shortest day of the year at Middleton Beach

More than 70 people braved the freezing cold to submerge themselves in the winter water at Middleton Beach on Wednesday morning in a global tradition to celebrate the annual winter solstice.

About 50 women from the Nautical Nymphs skinny dipped in the icy water under the dark sky and stars, just before sunrise.

As the sun cracked the horizon on its journey to rise in the sky starting the shortest day of the year, about 20 men also braved the chilly plunge in the nude.

Despite the heavy showers that graced Albany there was “no way” the skinny dip would be cancelled according to Sue Hicks, a first-time participant.

The bold choice of swim came when a friend suggested the event.

“She said let’s do something completely mad, so off we went,” she said.

“The water was very, very cold but we’ll be back to do it again next year.”

Barbara Keeler, the Nautical Nymphs organiser, estimated the water to be about 14 degrees.

“We’ve been doing the swim for about four years now and it grows each year,” she said.

“Last year there was only about 20 women doing the swim, and now it looks to be about 50 this year.”