Crazy Alaskans take "polar plunge" for Special Olympics -- pics!

[Blue_In_AK]

Yesterday these were among the brave (but, yes, crazy) souls who took the polar plunge in support of our local Special Olympics. Over 1,000 people took the leap and raised over $400,000. My husband wants to do it next year if he can get someone to join him -- it won't be me. Ambient temperature yesterday was 30 -- quite a bit warmer than last year -- but still...











Senator Murkowski chats with some bare-chested he-men.

[LeftofObama]

1. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.

I won't even get in the indoor pool at the gym this time of year. Just the thought of cold water this time of year chills me to the bone!

[Skittles]

2. I love these people

freaking AWESOME

[Solly Mack]

3. I would be tempted to do that.

Which is why I should never be anywhere near people doing that.

Love it! What wonderful people!

Thanks, Blue!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. Good way to get a heart attack.

Signed, Debbie Downer.

Pretty cool though.

[HereSince1628]

8. Looks like they had some type of 'life guards' in the water

just in case something goes wrong.

[Blue_In_AK]

9. Yes, there are two or three search-and-rescue types

in the water at all times just in case.

[scarletwoman]

5. Brrrrrr.... I can see doing that after baking my ass for an hour or so in a hot sauna, but

just jumping into freezing cold water straight off after standing around outside in the cold, no way!

[brer cat]

6. The rainbow tu-tus with matching knee socks rock!

You guys really know how to do the crazy.

[noamnety]

7. So how's that work?

The ones who don't donate enough money have to jump in?

[Blue_In_AK]

10. Haha.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. Great shots of people in mid jump

but I would be much more intrigued to see the "after" photos.

[Blue_In_AK]

12. I have some of those.

I'll try to post a couple later. .

[Curmudgeoness]

14. I thought you might.

Actually, I was sure that you would.

I love the creativity these people put into the polar plunge. Here, people just run in and out again in shorts or bathing suits.

[Blue_In_AK]

16. Here you go -- some point-of-impact shots :)

[Curmudgeoness]

18. Love it.

You caught the splash action so well. I am surprised that the facial expressions are not more shocked....even if these people knew that the water would be cold.

[Blue_In_AK]

19. I like the smile on the face of the girl in the last picture.

She almost looks serene.

[Curmudgeoness]

20. I meant to mention that.

It is almost freaky.

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. All I can say is BBBBRRRR (and nice Pro Full Format with fast Frames Per Second)

[uppityperson]

15. great shots and congrats on raising the money. I did polar bear dip in the snow once.

After landing in the water, all I could think was GET ME OUT as I could not breathe. SOOOO fun to do once, but do not plan on swimming unless you have trained being in ice cold water.

[Blue_In_AK]

17. Yes, they take great precautions here.

The water isn't really very deep and the EMTs are right there if anyone has an "issue." I haven't heard of anyone needing their help in the five years that this event has been happening, but it's good to have them standing by. That water is really cold.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

21. That looks like so much fun.

And for a great cause!