Nothing, according to the 70-odd people who waded into the choppy seas at the Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday to mark the winter solstice.

Some frocked up, some wore wigs, some budgie smugglers, others a good old-fashioned wetsuit.

Squeals were heard as daring swimmers of all walks of life took the plunge at Lady Bay at 5pm as the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the horizon.

"I couldn't really tell how cold the water was because I was numb, so I guess that means it was pretty cold," Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club member Martin O'Brien said.

"Lots of people were out here embracing the idea of having a bit of harmless fun, all in all it's been a good event."

He was dressed in a blue frock, complete with a hat and handbag.

"It's important to frock up I believe and make the effort, I've picked out a nice little number," he said with a laugh.

Warrnambool City Councillor and club member David Owen jumped on a rubber ducky and watched on from the breakers.

"It's been a tradition for a long time now," he said.

"We might have to do it in the nude next year!"

Crowds gathered around makeshift firepits set up outside the club after the dip.

The longstanding tradition symbolises an act of purification.

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