Seattle's Fifth Annual Polar Plunge Coming Up New Year's Day!

WHAT: Fifth Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

WHERE: Matthews Beach Park, 9300 51st Ave. NE

WHEN: Monday, January 1, 2007. 11:30 a.m. registration, noon swim.

WHO: Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Meadowbrook Community Center Advisory Council

FEATURES: Refreshments, Patches of Courage, 800 or more eager swimmers,many in costume.

SAFETY: Parks offers these tips:

• If you have heart problems or other serious medical concerns, please consult your health care professional before taking the Polar Plunge.
• Don't drink alcohol - it doesn't warm you up, and it accelerates hypothermia.
• Don't stay in the water for longer than 15 minutes - you lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air.
• Don't take off your outer clothing until you're ready to get in the water.