Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Lanier is promising to be a lot less polar this New Year’s Day.

With high temperatures in the upper 50s on Tuesday, Jan. 1, the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club fundraising is looking to be much more tolerable this year than 2018 — when Hall County was hit with a cold snap sending temperatures below freezing for the plunge into the lake.

Still, more than 30 brave souls jumped this year, including 74-year-old Jim Isler, who was the oldest jumper last year, and Tom Diaz, who came dressed as a very appropriate emperor penguin, winning him “best costume” during the fundraiser.

For the event this coming New Year’s Day at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park, organizers are hoping for about 75 people to attend given the warmer weather, accoridng to Blair Hickerson, incoming president of LCKC.

Hickerson is taking over from outgoing president Jason Peck.

“It should be night and day weather-wise,” Hickerson said of the 2019 plunge.

People interested in the event can register online through Dec. 31 or sign up at the event beginning 10:45 a.m. Jan. 1. Plunges begin at noon.

Registration costs $30 per individual or $90 for a family of four.

LCKC plans to give out the same suite of honors this year. Last year’s winners included:

Best Jump: Joshua Burchardt

Best Splash: Cody Hicks

Best Costume: Tom Diaz

Oldest Jumper: James Isler

Youngest Jumper: James Hughes

Most Dedicated Jumper: George Wangeman

Jumpers who register early online have first dibs on T-shirts that are included with the price of the ticket, according to Hickerson. If the club runs out, additional T-shirts will be ordered.

Chili, sweets, hot beverages and, most importantly, hot showers are being provided by LCKC.