The temperature outside Saturday morning was in the upper 30s, and the water temperature in the lake at the Webster Conference Center north of Salina was hovering around 32 degrees. It was perfect conditions for a group of hearty volunteers  ready to take a “Polar Plunge”.

As a large crowd of well-wishers cheered them on, over 30 people jumped into the icy lake.

The Salina Polar Plunge event to help support Kansas Special Olympics was held Saturday at the Webster Conference Center.

The event featured an entire morning of activities, including a “Polar 5k” run and a pancake feed.

The highlight was a plunge off a dock into the icy lake on the property. With two rescue divers in the water as a precaution and EMS standing by, over 30 people took the plunge into the frigid water. Many were dressed in colorful costumes, to the delight of the crowd.

Each person who took the plunge was motivated by donations from friends and family.

Prior to the plunge there was a costume contest, where awards were given for best individual, best couple, and best group costumes.

All proceeds from the Polar Plunge go to help Kansas Special Olympics.