The fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Lake Michigan is set for high noon on Jan. 1 at North Avenue Beach. Organizer Leesa Drake said the annual icy swim will "ring in the new year with a splash and set an adventurous tone for 2004." There is no charge to partake in the fun. Here is how things will work, courtesy of a press release from Drake.

We meet at North Avenue Beach near the north end of the beach house at Noon for pictures. Wear your swimsuit under your warm clothing. We'll all disrobe together and take group pictures in swimsuits before going in the water. Then we'll run in together, get wet, run back out and get dressed quickly. You'll be really cold for about five minutes total, probably spending less than 30 seconds in the water, unless you want more. Spectators are welcome.

Rules:
1. Swimsuits only, no nudity (it's a family event) and no wetsuits (that's cheating.)
2. Swimmers must go all the way under before coming out to be "official."
3. No whining!

Once you're dressed you can head home to your warm shower.
Parking: Your best bet is the zoo lot next to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Enter on Fullerton just west of Lake Shore Dr. There is also parking at North Avenue Beach.

There is no need to sign up. Just show up. For urgent questions, contact Drake at LeesaRuns@aol.com.