Jumping into the frigid Lake Michigan water when the air is 22 degrees Fahrenheit does not sound like it would be much fun, but it can be when one is surrounded by friends and family. Every year on Jan. 1 at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee, there is a tradition called the Polar Bear Plunge, in which people jump into Lake Michigan to start the new year with a splash.

The event is a free, non-sponsored event that is open to the public, and there is no registration required. The unofficial plunge time was at noon, but participants were allowed to jump into the water whenever they wanted. The Milwaukee Fire Department Paramedics were at the plunge waiting in the water, in the event of someone needing assistance.

It was recommended that participants wear layers that are easy to take off and put on, and that are comfortable as well. Also, they were encouraged to wear some type of footwear during the plunge because the lake bottom could be rocky. “I was terrified to jump in the water because I had heard stories of my dad doing the plunge and having to jump over ice chunks to get in the lake,” Lauren Padgett, senior, said.

According to Polar Bear Plunge Milwaukee, “As one begins the plunge, they should take deep breaths and walk slowly into the water because running could lead to falling and getting hurt in the possibly icy water.” The bottom is rocky and it is always extremely cold, so it often feels as if one’s body is going into shock.

“The whole experience happened so fast that it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The coldest part of my body was definitely my feet though; I couldn’t feel them after I got out,” Lauren Bartlett, senior, said.

After one has finished the plunge removing all wet clothing and getting dried off and dressed before leaving the beach is absolutely necessary to avoid freezing. Having warm dry socks and winter boots to put on one’s feet afterward is a number one priority.

Layering sweatshirts and sweatpants are recommended after getting out of the water.  Towels, wool blankets and even a sleeping bag are also highly recommended to regain one’s body temperature after the icy Lake Michigan water.

To brag about surviving the plunge there is an unofficial merchandise page to buy souvenirs such as long sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, crew necks and blankets with the commemorative 2016 Polar Bear Plunge design.

“I have wanted to do the plunge for years, so I was happy that I was able to cross it off of my bucket list. I would totally do it again,” Bartlett said.