The 14^th Annual Polar Bear Swim will take place at Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club in Gainesville at 2 pm New Year's Day, 2011. Last year roughly 100 participants jumped into Lake Lanier to start 2010 with a splash in front of a crowd of hundreds. Entrants came from all over, according to Brenda Miller, Club Office Administrator.  She says, "People who grew up in the north and migrated south tend to do this yearly."

One of last year's participants, nearby Gainesville resident Macy Dwyer, then 17, explained, "At first it was something I thought I should do. When the day arrived, I wasn't sure I wanted to do it, but my friends dragged me along. It ended up being lot's of fun." 

According to her father, Kevin Seitz, the water temperature was 48 degrees and the air was thought to have been 41.

Will she participate this year? Dwyer laughingly says she's thinking about it because, "It will be warmer this year."

"We'd love to see 200 jumpers this year," said Tim Watson, event coordinator and club president. Before Christmas pre-registration numbers for the 2011 event showed 25 entries, the same as 2010. 

Fees are $25 for individuals and $50 for a family jump. Participants receive a t-shirt, hot soup or chili, dessert and a warm drink of coffee or hot chocolate. Food will also be available for sale to spectators. 

Jumpers will be judged for "Best Costume," "Biggest Splash," and "Team Jump." Prizes include an adult learn to kayak lesson, a massage from Watkins Chiropractic and a moonlight paddle. 

Proceeds benefit youth programs at Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, home of the 1996 Summer Olympics kayak events. "Sponsorships are still available at $100, $200 and $500," said Watson. "Anyone wishing to sponsor at this time would be placed on next year's t-shirt."

"It's something you need to experience in your life," encourages Dwyer.