Salix, IA -
It was a warm 87 degrees Saturday morning in Miami...however, near Sioux City temperatures were in the 50s, not exactly an ideal day for a dip into the chilly waters of Browns Lake. But, about 100 people from local law enforcement agencies and the community, decided to go for a swim anyway.
"It's colder than heck out there," Jamie Castle, a plunger said.
Jamie Castle and dozens of others splashed into Browns Lake to raise money for Special Olympics Iowa. The organization helps train people like Jesse Pease to play sports.
"I compete in track and field, and bowling and golf," Jesse Pease, a Special Olympic athlete said.
Pease didn't run in the lake this year, but he cheered on his friend, Tony Tripp.
"This is my third year doing this, and I do this because of all the Special Olympic athletes, and I just love to see them smile." Tony Tripp said.
Tripp says the water was frigid, but he's learned one thing from his past runs, that has made it easier for him.
"If I could give anybody advice, the less clothes you wear the better, so when you come out you don't have all those wet clothes sticking to you," Tripp said.
But, dressing up is also one of the highlights of the event. Plungers were encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes.
"We pick a theme first, this year, it's a blast from the past, we try to do something where we're somewhat covered up and then you know, grab on to your bestfriends hand and run in there with her," Hana Krommenhoek said.
This is the event's 10th year. Organizers say the plunge started out with only 22 people, and now averages a 100.
"My heart stopped, but like I said, it's for a really good cause," Jamie Castle said.
