Polar Bear Plunge raises money for animal shelter

Several people got a running start before they entered Moses Lake during the annual Polar Bear Plunge Thursday. Photo by Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald

by Candice Boutilier<br>Herald Staff Writer
| January 5, 2009 8:00 PM

MOSES LAKE — Several people stripped down on New Year’s Day to take a dip in Moses Lake while parts of the surface were still frozen.

The Polar Bear Plunge is an annual event held by the Moses Lake Fire Department benefiting Grant County Animal Outreach. They’ve held the event for more than 10 years.

The plunge was held at Cascade Park in Moses Lake. A large chunk of ice near the boat launch was broken to make space for people plunging into the lake.

A large crowd formed along the shore, ready to jump in at noon. Some people wore bikinis or shorts, while others entered the lake fully clothed. Several firefighters ran into the lake wearing their fire helmets and gear.

“I’m completely amazed,” said Outreach President Harmony White. “They’re crazy and I love it.”

She said she was impressed by how many people jumped into the freezing water.

More than 70 people attended the event with at least 30 jumping in.

Outreach collected more than $215 from the event. Last year about $160 was raised.

“I can’t tell you how inspiring that was for the first day of the new year,” she said.

During the event, White distributed cookies and honorary jumper cards to people so they can prove they participated in the plunge.

Rick Tincani was the first person in the lake.

He said it was his second year jumping in and he dd it twice this year, adding the water didn’t seem too cold.

Tincani said he will be back next year.

It was also Tammy Tincani’s second year participating in the plunge.

“Just breathless,” she said about how she felt when she entered the lake. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, did I do this again?’”

She said she also plans to come back next year.

For many people, the plunge is a tradition.

For 9-year-old Kelsie Klingeman, it was her first year jumping into the water. She jumped in with her grandfather, Dave Rhyne. Her grandfather has plunged in each year for the past 12 years.

She stayed in the water for about 10 seconds and dunked her head, Klingeman said.

She said the water felt like needles poking her body.

White said there is consideration to begin holding the Polar Bear Plunge at a more visible location in Moses Lake next year so more people will attend.

See more photos at our Photo Gallery.