People plunge into Prospect Lake for charity
Authorities often discourage people from getting to close to lakes and ponds during winter, but it was considered safe and fun to do so Saturday.
With members of the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s dive team standing by for safety, about 400 people participated in the Polar Plunge at Prospect Lake.
The event, in its fifth year, raises money for athletes’ programs in the Special Olympics in southern Colorado.
Organizers said they raised at least $40,000 and hoped to finish with a total of $50,000.
Participants paid a $35 advance registration fee –$40 on Saturday — and promised to raise at least $75 in donations.
Participants plunged into the lake, one group at a time, then hurried to nearby tents to get warm. Colorado Springs Police Chief Pete Carey and Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor were among those splashing in the frigid water.
Dive team members said there have been no serious incidents in the history of the event, and that they consider it safe as long as people don’t spend more than 30 seconds in the water.
Saturday’s event was the fourth Polar Plunge in Colorado this month. One also was held in Denver on Saturday. A fifth event is scheduled at the Boulder Reservoir next Saturday.
