Ring in the New Year in your swimwear at the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at nearby Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. N.E.
Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Meadowbrook Community Center Advisory Council are co-sponsoring the Jan. 1 event that starts at noon sharp; registration begins at 11 a.m.
From the Parkways post:
A 2014 Official Patch of Courage will be given to all heroic polar bear participants who immerse themselves neck-deep in the lake. The patch will show the world that participants braved the frigid waters. Warming refreshments will be served.
As in previous years, younger polar bears and anyone else who needs a little more room can take part in the Polar Cub Club part of the event immediately preceding the main plunge. For the truly hearty, double-dipping is allowed.
Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a few tips for enjoying a fun, safe swim:
· Make the plunge even more special by dressing up in a costume!
· Come early, and carpool or take the bus (you can plan your trip).
· If you have heart problems or other serious medical concerns, we recommend that you consult your healthcare professional before taking the Polar Bear Plunge. If you can’t go in the water, come and watch!
· Don’t drink alcohol–it doesn’t warm you up, and it accelerates hypothermia.
· Stay in the water for no longer than 15 minutes-you lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air.
· Keep your outer clothing on until you’re ready to get in the water. After the plunge, remove wet clothing before getting into dry clothes.
Will you brave the frigid waters of Lake Washington for this year’s Polar Bear Plunge?
