The Waukegan Park District and the city of Waukegan are inviting some brrrrrrrrrrrave souls to plunge into Lake Michigan during season of freezin’ on New Year’s Day.
Typically about 400 to 500 local residents take the plunge, while another 500 or more watch, cheering them on to complete their icy mission, said Dave Motley, spokesperson for the city of Waukegan, who helped start the event 17 years ago.
“We wanted to see what cool event we could do at the Waukegan Beach off-season and put something together to help people with special needs,” he said.
The event raises funds for the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County. Al Nowakowski, one of the event founders, said the plunge typically raises about $5,000 or more a year.
“It’s a signature event,” Motley said. “Some people come every year. I recognize their faces. You get some who are doing it for the first time, or as a way to kick off the new year in a positive way. Others are looking at it as cleansing opportunity, a baptism.”
Since the first year, when he dashed from his car, took off his winter coat to reveal his swim trunks, ran into the lake, then back into his car to get warm, Motley has taken the plunge every new year’s day.
“I can’t expect other people to do it if I don’t do it myself,” Motley said.
Heated tents for men and women are provided for people to change clothes before and afterward.
Though some folks have come dressed in crazy outfits over the years, Motley said the key is to wear scant clothing, so you can get it off fast and then into dry, warm clothes as soon as you’re done.
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No matter what the weather is in December, on Jan. 1, the water temperature hovers around 33 degrees and it’s generally iced over, he said. Crews are on hand before the event begins to break up ice and make the waters navigable for waders.
People can register on site in the heated tent for $20; portions of which will benefit the special recreation services.
Most people spend less than 30 seconds in the water, Motley said. “Some like to run from the shoreline and give a high five to rescue drivers (who are there for safety). Some people dunk themselves completely under water. I do that. That’s the full experience.”
Last year before the 2016 plunge Nowakowski said people are sent in groups of about 60 or 70 into the water. “You plow right in. You go out probably 50 yards. The water is shallow. You’re up to your knees, and then you plunge down, completely submerge. That’s when you feel the cold on your back and your feet start to feel like concrete.”
Motley said city officials hope that afterward people will get into some warm clothing and visit Waukegan restaurants to refuel.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Polar Bear Plunge
When: 9-11 a.m., Jan. 1, 2017
Where: 201 Sea Horse Drive, Waukegan
Information: 847-360-4700; www.waukeganparks.org
Tickets: $20 day of registration