Only the fearless take the plunge into the lake

Polar Plunge benefits Ohio Special Olympics

Dozens took a dip into Lake Erie on Feb. 29 during the Polar Plunge to benefit Ohio Special Olympics.

If you woke up thinking it was cold out, imagine going for a quick dip in the lake. That’s exactly what dozens of daring individuals did in Cleveland as they participated in the Polar Plunge at Edgewater Park on Feb. 29.

The event saw the frozen and fearless take the dip into Lake Erie as part of a charity drive for event organizer’s the Ohio Special Olympics. Participants gathered pledges to support their plunges which will be utilized by the Special Olympics. Those not going for a swim were also able to raise money ahead of the event as well in a similar pledge fashion.

While the average temperatures were in the low 30s for the area, the driving winds coming off the lake made the beach side conditions much more frigid. Despite the conditions, a steady turnout was on hand at the beginning of the event, hours before the first plunge.

Due to a build-up of ice floe, organizers and city vehicles worked to clear out a space to plunge with plows and scoop shovel trucks prior to the event.

Festivities kicked off at noon with a costume contest which was followed by the plunges. Those participating were dispatched into the lake in waves of 10 at a time. The shallow entry point had several people dropping down and few brave souls going completely under for a surely exhilarating experience.

“I’m here for my brother,” Pamela Krizentle said while cheering from the sidelines. “This is the second year he’s done it. He missed last year so he made a point of coming for it this year.”

When asked what makes him return, she laughed, “He’s crazy. I love him, but he’s crazy.”

According to Special Olympic records, 2019’s Polar Plunge raised about $74,000 for the organization.

ADAM DODD — THE NEWS-HERALD Polar Plunge participants take a dip in Lake Erie on Feb. 29.