Dozens of goosebump laden locals took the plunge into the frigid waters off Oak Bay Sunday morning for the debut Vancouver Island Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak and many others representing local detachments hit the waves at Willows Beach in full uniform.
"Oh boy, how do you prepare for this?" joked Sooke RCMP Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur, who was waiting to get wet with his trusty sidekick Henry, the only dog to plunge in uniform.
McArthur joked about his training regime. "I tried to get even fatter. Alot of bread and donuts for more insulation. But I think it was more mental preparation than anything. We're motivated by all the people who turned out, and the total was well beyond our expectations for a first time event. Our team, the 'West Shore Copsicles' did better than we expected too."
Sean Sullivan, Chief Superintendent, Island District Commander said he was glad the rescue boats were standing by, just in case he floated the wrong way.
Intrepid CFAX1070 news anchor James Gardner was onboard for the plunge, playfully splashing onlookers on the beach.
A shivering but smiling Darren Hughes, Assistant Chief at Oak Bay Fire Department, turned his plunge into a 15-minute teeth chattering stint in the water, raising a couple extra hundred dollars for the cause.
The total $21,362 surpassed the $20,000 goal set for first ever Polar Plunge..
All funds raised support Special Olympics BC inititatives and atheletes. You can still make a pledge; click here: plungeforspecialolympics.com