On the first day of 2006, Sunday, Jan. 1, I was invited to the 7th annual polar bear club swim. It was 30 degrees with no wind and no sun and the water was like glass. There was a Christmas tree standing tall in the sand and a bonfire neatly arranged not far away. It took place on Long Island Sound, at the end of Valley and Shorewood Roads in Bayville.

The organizers, Jacques Beauchamp and Paul Dell'Aquilo, had started a warm-up run from Valley Road to the Bayville Bridge and back in preparation of the plunge. Of the about 15 participants for the run, half were children. A picnic table and grill was set up with some music from a boom box and the bratwurst looked delicious.

I learned that the club was started by one of the leaders who saw the Coney Island Polar Bears take their swim on TV seven years ago. Jim and Barbara Serio, long time Polar Bear swimmers, explained that the water has gotten so clean that porpoises are coming back to the sound at this time of year.

By this time the club members had returned from the run and lined up on the beach for a picture. With immense yells about 20 adults and children charged into the water, diving and splashing but quickly returned to the bonfire. A second dip was to follow shortly. After getting dry by the fire the winter picnic started. The weather was delightful and they stayed on the beach almost until dusk.

Jacques Beauchamp said, "This event is a fun and healthy alternative to more traditional ways to ring in the New Year. We celebrate life and are grateful for this beautiful place. In this New Year we are hopeful that our people abroad will return home safely. The ability to celebrate this event along with the freedoms we share is owed to them. Happy New Year!"

If anyone is looking for an unusual way to start the New Year, this just might be it.