Wis. man plans Polar Bear jump for 60th, last time

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- An 82-year-old who has jumped into Lake Michigan on the last 59 New Year's Days will make his last jump.

Milwaukee Polar Bear Club president Garth Garskey says his consecutive streak began in 1953 and Sunday's 60th dunk will be his last.

He says he's stopping because he has four stents in his heart, he's getting old and his toes turn black from staying in the water too long. He says his daughter is also having "a conniption fit."

The retired Brookfield maintenance man tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after he goes, he will have a couple shots of brandy and then go home and watch football.

He says he never plans to return in case he gets "the itch."

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