People plunge into frigid Lake Lanier to welcome 2014 - Gainesville Times

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People plunge into frigid Lake Lanier to welcome 2014

Gainesville City Councilman George Wangemann takes the last plunge of the day into Lake Lanier for the 17th annual Polar Bear Swim fundraiser. Wangemann, who according to local tradition takes the first and last New Year’s Day plunge, had done 15 consecutive Polar Bear Swims to benefit the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. “It was pretty cold, but not the coldest,” Wangemann said after climbing back onto the dock. The coldest year was circa 2002, Wangemann said. “There was a thin sheet of ice on the water,” he said. (File Photo) - photo by NAT GURLEY

0102polar 7 — Gainesville City Councilman George Wangemann takes the last plunge of the day into Lake Lanier for the 17th annual Polar Bear Swim fundraiser. Wangemann, who according to local tradition takes the first and last New Year’s Day plunge, had done 15 consecutive Polar Bear Swims to benefit the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. “It was pretty cold, but not the coldest,” Wangemann said after climbing back onto the dock. The coldest year was circa 2002, Wangemann said. “There was a thin sheet of ice on the water,” he said. (File Photo) - photo by NAT GURLEY

People ushered in the new year Wednesday by jumping into Lake Lanier during the 2014 Polar Bear Swim at Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. Organizer Chris Potter said the annual fundraiser should raise $3,000 to $4,000 for the club to buy more boats.