Polar Plunge living up to its name this year

Annual event set for Jan. 1, when the high is 37

A group of brave swimmers plunge in to the chilly waters of Lake Lanier during last year’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. This year’s event was originally set for Jan. 1, but flooding and debris in the lake caused the event to be postponed until Feb. 6.

0204-GO-POLAR-PLUNGE — A group of brave swimmers plunge in to the chilly waters of Lake Lanier during last year’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. This year’s event was originally set for Jan. 1, but flooding and debris in the lake caused the event to be postponed until Feb. 6.

The 20th Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Lanier is being put on ice this year -- but that just means it’s more fun, not canceled. With Gainesville expecting a high of 37 degrees and a low of 21 on Monday, the annual fundraiser put on by the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club is living up to its name this time around. “We’ve got a good weather report for a true polar plunge,” said Jason Peck, current president of the club. “That’s the extremeness -- I think some of these people are looking for the experience.” Local lunatics, masochists and the very brave will jump into the frigid waters of Lake Lanier at the Olympic Park Boathouse, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, at noon on New Year’s Day. Registration is open online and costs $30 for an individual or $90 for a family of four. Jumpers can also register the day of the event beginning at 10:45 a.m.

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