Seasonal & Holidays
Lake Lanier Polar Bear Plunge Postponed Due To Drought
Low water levels pose a safety risk to divers, the event's sponsor says.
CUMMING, GA — The north Georgia drought has claimed another casualty, at least temporarily.
The annual Polar Bear Plunge on Lake Lanier, a New Year's Day tradition, has been scratched for the time being due to low water levels.
"Participant safety is our first concern," the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club said on its website. "If the lake level returns to a safe level we may schedule for a later date."
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The club is now shooting for an early February date for the plunge, in which people show up to jump into frigid winter water.
In its 20th year, the fundraiser for the club generally draws about 125 people. Last year's jump also was postponed for the opposite reason as this year's. Then, recent flooding had made swimming in the lake dangerous.
Find out what's happening in Cummingfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Self-styled polar bears may get an icier plunge this way, anyhow. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 56 degrees on Sunday.
Image via Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club website
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