1986 Press Photo Spectators watch Polar Bear Club members plunge into icy lake

This is an original press photo. "I'm beginning to regret it," said one of the 150 brave - some would say crazy - folks who took a plunge Wednesday into Lake Michigan as part of the Polar Bear Club's annual dip. "It's only because I have a cold," dipper Rob Bessey, 23, of 3829 S. 19th street said Thursday explaining the regrets. Still, he said: "I'll definitely do it again next year," Why? "Because it was crazy, and it was fun to be with a whole lot of other crazy people." And so it goes each New Year's Day at Bradford Beach. At least this year the weather cooperated a little bit better than usual, serving up a 20-degree noon temperature. The water temperature was 34 degrees. --- Spectators crowded Bradford Beach (above) at noon on New Year's Day to watch members of the Polar Bear Club plunge into frigid Lake Michigan.Photo measures 11.25 x 7.5inches. Photo is dated 01-02-1986.

Part Number: mjb91432

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