Larry Steelman and the Michigan Underwater Divers club have a rather unique New Year’s Eve tradition.

They go diving in the cold waters of Michigan.

“People say we are crazy, but I say we’re having fun,” said Steelman, 66, of Niles.

Steelman was one of four members of the club that took the icy dip this year in Barron Lake in Howard Township.

Divers went below the surface before midnight and came up in 2014. Steelman said they were under for about 10 minutes, most wearing dry suits to stay warm.

“It’s pretty awesome,” he said.

Joining Steelman were Ken Riemer, of Berrien Springs, Mary Beth Thar, of Niles and Don McAlhany, of St. Joseph.

It was the 34th dive for Steelman and the 35th for McAlhany.

“We’ve done it enough that now we are doing it for tradition,” Steelman said.

The club rotates their New Year’s dive from year to year. They’ve dove in the St. Joseph River, Magician Lake and the Sister Lakes to name a few.

Steelman has been a member of the club since 1966.

The dive was accomplished with the assistance of Larry Sehy, of Niles. Sehy provided his garage as a staging area and dressing area. Serving as diver tenders on the surface were Bob Sweeney, Lucy Riemer, Jake Thar and Joshua Synder, of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Those interested in sport diving are invited to attend the monthly MUD club meeting at Andrews University’s Price Hall at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.

For additional club information check out the Mud club website at mudclub.scubaobsessed.com