2013 Polar Bear Plunge in Waukegan
By: Jonathan Jones 01/02/2013
The morning of New Year’s Day is a time when many people sleep in late. Folks may have been celebrating from late night into early morning, staying up until midnight to catch some evening fireworks in person, or perhaps relaxing in a warm home while watching New Year’s Eve holiday specials on television. Any of which activities tend to lead into a lazy morning of late sleeping on New Year’s Day.
This lazy morning tradition cannot be said for the many courageous souls who turn up each year to attend the Annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Waukegan Municipal Beach. Going on its 14th year, this event is a bragging right for adventurers of all ages!
For those unfamiliar with the event, a Polar Bear Plunge is when daring individuals jump, dive, run, or plunge into freezing water on a cold winter day. In this case, starting at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day over 350 people braved a chilly fourteen degree winter morning to enjoy a stroll in the temperate waters of Lake Michigan.
For those not daring enough to participate, spectating was encouraged. If you missed this year’s plunge, don’t fear because this is one event that is likely to be frozen as an annual Waukegan tradition for years to come!
*Photos are property of Sun-Times Media
