The Coosa River Basin Initiative is looking for a few brave—or just plain crazy—souls to jump in the Etowah River in the dead of winter to raise money to protect the region’s rivers, streams and lakes. The organization is awarding a Yeti Cooler donated by Lindale Ace Hardware and valued at $250 to the supporter who raises the most money for CRBI by jumping into the river during the annual Polar Bear Paddle set for Jan. 9.

The event, sponsored by CRBI, Keep Rome-Floyd County Beautiful and the Rome-Floyd County ECO River Education Center, will include a 6-mile paddle on the Etowah River from Dixon Landing at Grizzard Park to downtown Rome.

The trip is free and complimentary canoes and kayaks are available while they last. Participants should register and reserve their boats at

http://www.firstgiving.com/coosa/2016-polar-bear-plunge..

CRBI supporters have already begun raising money for the plunge with the goal of generating $2016 for river protection by the first week of 2016. Those interested in taking the plunge and competing for the Lindale Ace Hardware Yeti cooler can set up online fundraising pages at http://www.firstgiving.com/coosa/2016-polar-bear-plunge.”