Britiku Champion Andy Turner,

Who Thought Chicago was located

On a tiny river in the middle of America.

                       

The Polar Bear Club Swim will soon be here,

Please join us to ring in the Happy New Year!

Why not start 2005 on an adventurous note?

You really don’t even have to know how to float.

Just show up at Noon on New Year’s Day,

It’s tons of fun – what else can I say?

I missed last year because of a nasty cold,

But I can’t miss this year since I’m getting old.

This is my invitation to a British chap named Little Andy,

One dip into this 35 degree lake, and you’ll feel dandy!

 This event takes place every year in Chicago,

Now matter how hard the Arctic wind blows.

Here are the details:
 
New Year’s Day Swim
 
What:  Polar Bear Swim in Lake Michigan on New Year's Day
When:  New Year's Day at Noon
Where:  North Avenue Beach, near the boat house

How Much $:  FREE!

Why:  Carpe Diem!

Ring in the New Year with a splash and set an adventurous tone for the upcoming year.

Polar Bears meet at North Avenue Beach near the north end of the beach house at Noon.

Wear your swimsuit under your warm clothing.  We'll all disrobe together; then we'll run into the water together; get wet; run back out; and get dressed VERY quickly.

You'll be extremely cold for about 5 minutes total, probably spending less than 30 seconds actually in the water, unless you really want more!

Spectators welcome.

Rules:

1.  Swimsuits only, no nudity (it's a family event) and no wetsuits (that's cheating).
2.  Swimmers must go all the way under the water before coming out to be ‘official.’ 
3.  No whining! 

Once you’re dressed, you can head home to your cozy warm shower. (No warm showers available at the boat house.)

Fine Print:  While some participants or spectators are medical professionals, there is no official medical support on site.  Participate only if you are willing and able.  Like anything, there is probably some risk, so if you have medical considerations please check with your doctor before participating. 

No need to sign up, just show up at Noon on New Year's Day.

Lake Michigan Facts

Lake Michigan, the second largest Great Lake by volume, with just under 1,180 cubic miles of water, is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States.

Approximately 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline.

Averaging 279 feet in depth, the lake reaches 925 feet at its deepest point.

The lake's northern tier is in the colder, less developed upper Great Lakes region, while its more temperate southern basin contains the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas.

The drainage basin, approximately twice as large as the 22,300 square miles of surface water, includes portions of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Water Temperature ranges from 67-68 Degrees in July to a balmy 34-35 Degrees in January.

Andy, hope to see you on New Year’s Day!

And Anyone Else Who Wants to Take The Plunge!

 I really can’t stay (Baby, it’s cold outside)
I’ve got to go ‘way (Baby, it’s cold outside)
The evening has been (I’ve been hopin’ that you’d drop in)
So very nice (I’ll hold your hand, they’re just like ice)