Lake Lanier might not be perfect, but it’s safer for swimming than the Parana River in Argentina.
According to The Associated Press, it’s been hot in Argentina. Not surprising because it’s summertime there. To cool off from 100-degree temperatures near the town of Rosario, bathers went wading and swimming in the Parana River on Christmas Day.
That’s when 70 people were attacked by a school of “palometas,” a large fish with sharp teeth and big appetites. Many individuals reportedly lost fingers and toes from being bitten.
Beaches were closed but it was so hot that bathers soon went back into the water — in spite of the threat of being eaten by the flesh-eating palometas.
We regret the suffering incurred by the people of Argentina, but this story is one more reason to stay in Georgia and swim in Lake Lanier.
You don’t even have to wait until it’s summer here! Take an icy (carnivorous-fish-free) dip on New Year’s Day at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue:
Polar Bear Swim Details
- Who: The Polar Bear Swim is open to the public.
- What & When: The Polar Bear Swim is simple: you jump into Lake Lanier at high noon on New Year’s Day.
- Where: The boathouse side of the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.
- More Where: Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506
- Why: Because you might win a prize. Really.
Survivors get a T-shirt and compete for “bragging rights” for:
- best costume
- biggest splash
- best sponsored group jump
- oldest jumper and
- youngest jumper.
