Pending Polar Bear Swim or Hypotheria Hijinks?

January 1st is right around the corner and I've been thinking about making last year's "Polar Bear Swim" an annual thing. I don't get too much support from the home team so I'm a bit ambivalent this year. Also, I use the quotes around the title because here in Nashville, TN the chance of swimming with ice on the water is near nil. It's more like a hypothermia test. Last year's water temperature was 42 degrees. The air temp was much higher which made the water seem a lot colder. I had hoped that the air would be colder than the water but alas, no. Meanwhile I'm wondering the best approach for body core comfort - last year I was cold in my core for hours after the swim. Perhaps this year I'll drink a lot of hot beverage before going in? Or after? Or both? I read somewhere that ship wreck survivors pulled from cold water and given hot coffee can die (from the shock?). Can't say such a result will happen with me (see above temps). I just want to be comfy after my foolish endeavor. Got a few holiday invites to attend to. More later ...