What Polar Bear Plungers Can Expect Today

Polar Bear Plungers are bracing themselves today for a wintry dip in Lake St. Clair.

Unlike last year, when plungers ran into Anchor Bay, the iced-over lake brings back a makeshift pool amid vast sheets of ice. That's reminiscent of the 2011 Winterfest, when participants dipped in and out of icy waters from a carved-out section of the lake.

What to expect for the plunge

New Baltimore Fire Chief Ken Lawfield says firefighters will be present to ensure safety on the lake. The New Baltimore Lions Club, which puts on Winterfest, will have warming tents for plungers before and after the dive.

There was roughly 10-12 inches of ice on Anchor Bay by late last week, Lawfield said. Outdoor temperatures during the plunge are expected to reach a high of 29 degrees with a south wind traveling 6 to 9 m.p.h., according to the National Weather Service.

The Polar Bear Plunge takes place at 2 p.m. from the lake entrance at Walter and Mary Burke Park.