Moses Lake is ready for swimming

MOSES LAKE — A few brave souls are diving into the new year by diving into Moses Lake on Jan. 1 for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

For Moses Lake Fire Department Captain Bob Scott, the 2007 plunge is his tenth and last. Scott is tentatively retiring in May after 18 years with the fire department, in favor of a full-time vacation in a motor home.

The event is set for noon at Cascade Park, where in the past about 30 members of the community jump into the freezing lake. Everyone is welcome, Scott said.

"I will be there, absolutely," Scott said.

Ice is expected to cover the lake this year, as it did last year. Scott plans to help cut a hole in the ice large enough for the brave individuals who jump in. Last year, the plunge was marked by rain. Scott said the water looks colder than it is.

"It's just a really neat way to start the new year," he said. "Makes you appreciate summer, look forward to spring, I guess."

Every year, Scott wears red long johns, a helmet and boots into the water. The long johns are several years old, but he only wears them once each year. A variety of garb is donned by event participants.

Scott joked he would hopefully welcome next year in a warmer lake after retirement. He, his wife, and four Persian cats are already living in a motor home.

Donations of money, pet food or cat litter are accepted at the event and go to the Moses Lake-Grant County Humane Society, an organization Scott finds important.

Last year, humane society Director Mary DeHerrera's daughter Brianna, 8 at the time, took the plunge, saying, "I'm not chicken. I thought it would be a lot colder."