This morning was a bright, sunny and chilly morning for our 8th annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics. It's heavily sponsored by Law Enforcement and Firefighters, as well as several other groups and individuals. At 52, I almost got the oldest participant award - maybe next time! We went into a swimming area on the Columbia River here in Washington. There was some clear area, but we also had to break some 2" thick ice to make enough clear water for all of us. The money goes to help with the Special Olympics, a very worthy cause. Sunny out, but temps in the 30's. I don't want to know the temp of the water - it was COLD! Here's a few photos snapped this morning:

Looking over the swimming area before the Polar Plunge, this part was pretty clear of ice:


Clearing ice from the beach:


Getting the heck out of that water!


Lots of fun, and a good fundraiser for the Special Olympics. No, I didn't drag my .45 into the river with me...

thanks for the good work you do......but....dude?

made me go check my pool heater.

A great cause, good job.

I've watched the Polar Plunge in Eau Gallie, WI when temps were near zero. Saws were used to remove the ice!

Great Pics by the way.

ummmm, ahhh, ummmm.

Blue balls?

If I bag a moose this year and I find the water to dam cold to retrieve it ,I now know just who to call!

yup...dial 911

Moose retrieval please.

lol. Just the thought of taking a dip in that water has the ballocks in retreat.

Looks like early June up here.

Hmmm...I guess the long pants and shirts kept you warm in the water.
Glad you had fun for a great cause.

Was a Navy diver in '71-'72. Spent way too much time in freezing water. Hypothermia was an every day occurrence. As a result I chill way to easy today. I am extremely careful least I get myself in trouble.

That said, my hat is off to you. Noble and worthy cause.

Thanks for all of the great service.

..........do you have someone off camera with a Tazer,......

....like,...... in case someone's pump quits?

No BS on the thank you, Bud.

GTC

Brrrrrr!

Nice work supporting a great cause!

That is truly a noble cause and you folks should be complimented on your desire to help.

BUT !!

Couldn't you sell cookies or something instead???