Whitefish Bay swimmer loves to dip his toes in Lake Michigan, especially in winter, and he wants you to join him

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Paul Koepnick knows Lake Michigan like the back of his hand.

Except for about 30 of the past 1100 days, he says he's taken a daily dip in the big pond, including some very chilly winter days. He's a firm believer in something called "Cold Water Immersion."

It's a proven way to activate the body's natural healing powers and to relieve certain medical conditions, including muscular and circulatory issues.

Koepnick teaches folks how to submerge in the lake throughout the year. He says that right now is the best time to get your practice in before next winter.

Koepnick typically leads groups the first Sunday of each month. You can go to his "Cold Water Effect" website to learn all about cold water immersion and sign up for one of his events, as well.