Why do people swim in Lake Michigan On New Years?

Question

I need the history of it. For example, how did it get started and why is it being practiced today?

Answer 1

WE ALSO DO THIS ON LAKE ERIE ON THE CANADIAN SIDE, A LITTLE TOWN CALLED PORT DOVER. IT STARTED IN 1981, BY 2 BROTHERS, AND THEY DO IT TO RAISE MONEY(THEIR SISTER HAD DIED OF CANCER).THEY STILL DO THIS, AND DRAWS A HUGE CROWD, AND NOW THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN IT TOO.

Answer 2

Most likely to have some part of the Polar Bear Club....although Michigan does not constitute a living habitat for such creatures. One needs to travel much further north, say Greenland, to become a true arctic polar bear club member.

Answer 3

Well, I can answer a bit of it. Its called the Polar Bear plunge and its done for charity. All the money raised goes to a good cause. I dont know how it got started though. Im sorry.