Warm Weather Doesn't Stop Polar Plunge

ROCKVILLE - Even though the ice was thinner than normal, people still came out to the St. Cloud Polar Plunge.

The polar plunge raises funds to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. Last year's plunge saw over 530 people jump into the frigid waters and raised nearly $91,000.

Normally the ice is thick enough for people to walk and drive on. This year adjustments had to be made due to the record breaking temperatures.

Most years the event takes place at the middle of the lake with a hole cut in the ice for you to take the plunge. This year the events were moved away from the lake and into a pool in the parking lot. Rockville firefighter Brian Knapek says to keep everyone safe they had to use the pool.

"We made the decision on Friday morning to move the event away from the lake. It was really for everyones safety."

Though the event wasn't able to take place on the lake, people were still excited to help out with the cause.

President of the MN Fraternal Order of Police Granite Lodge 17, Chad Meemken says people know this event is about more then getting to plunge into a cold lake.