Polar Bear Plunge attracts 30

Proceeds go to Animal Outreach

MOSES LAKE - A group of about 30 people braved an estimated 39-degree Moses Lake on New Year's Day for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Some adults and children showed up about 20 minutes early at Cascade Valley Park before their brief noon-time dip. Tuesday's outside temperature ranged from 14 to 32 degrees.

The plungers bundled up in coats, sweat pants and blankets just minutes before they were called to the lake's shore. A handful of dogs likely watching their masters were there too, with some dogs clad in thick, winter sweaters.

As people either waded or dove into the lake, cries of "Oh my gosh" and "Oh that's cold," were heard. Some people even hugged each other after the plunge just to get others wet.

Neal Chambers, 14, of Moses Lake, took the plunge for the first time because he thought some of his friends would participate. Chambers went in wearing a swimsuit and said just his feet were cold afterward.

Only one of Chambers' friends showed up, but his dad, Anthony Chambers, was there to capture the moment with a camcorder.

Father and son David Rhyne and Tavien Rhyne, 18, both of Moses Lake, were also among the plungers.

David Rhyne said he first took the plunge about 10 years ago and came out this year to bring his son.

"I've done it before when there where chunks of ice," David Rhyne said.

David Plate of Moses Lake also plunged for the first time with his three children, Spencer, 15, Camilla, 13 and Rebeccah, 10.

"It was great, they had a blast," he said. He added his daughters went in a second time to get their hair wet after being teased by their brother.

And others arrived just to witness the fun, like Kay Herman. She lives next door to the park and said she watches the event every year, but doesn't participate.

"These people are crazy," she said. "I don't know how they can stand it."

The event has been held for about 10 years as a joint effort between the Moses Lake Fire Department and the Moses Lake-Grant County Humane Society, said Dave Holle, a captain with the Moses Lake Fire Department.

About 30 people took the plunge and about $160 in cash donations were given to Grant County Animal Outreach, said Kris Holle, Dave Holle's wife.

Outreach got involved this year as the group now runs the animal shelter near Moses Lake.

Money from the event will likely go toward sandblasting old paint off the shelter's kennel so a special epoxy can be applied, said Carmon Derting, Outreach's acting treasurer.

Outreach would like to have the work done this maonth, she said.