Prior to Sunday, the annual Polar Bear Swim was canceled four of the last five years.
PHOTOS: THOMAS CORRAO

Capturing Kenosha: 2023 Polar Bear Swim

Brave and hearty souls ring in the new year with a dip in Lake Michigan

By KENOSHA.COM STAFF

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Dozens of brave souls, both young and old, rung in the new year with the annual Polar Bear Swim on Sunday (Jan. 1) at Kenosha’s Simmons Island Beach.

Canceled four of the last five years due to frigid temperatures and dangerous currents, local residents were treated to “ideal” conditions on Sunday, according to Brian Vaccaro, Kenosha County Scout Leaders Rescue Squad Dive Team divemaster.

Money was collected for the Kenosha County Scout Leaders Rescue Squad
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman took part in the festivities and joined the Polar Bear swimmers.

Lake Michigan was calm and a balmy 37 degrees, nearly matching the 39-degree air temperature.

The Polar Bear Swim has been organized for the past 55 years by Dan Vaccaro, affectionately known in the community as “Diver Dan.” The event serves as a fundraiser for the Kenosha County Scout Leaders Rescue Squad. 

This year’s event raised $536.

To donate to the Kenosha County Scout Leaders Rescue Squad, visit www.scoutleadersrescue.org.

Happy New Year!

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