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Elise Lynn and her group doing the polar plunge

Staring down the edge of the pier, gazing down the fridged lake. Elise Lynn shivers in place next to the strangers she had met mere hours ago. “There were gusts of winds, and I was like: Oh my god I’m wearing shorts and a T-shirt and it’s 30 degrees outside.”  “Not a super normal thing to be doing on a Friday afternoon.” Listening to the children cheer her on, reminding her why she is here. Steeling herself, asking herself if she is ready to take the plunge.   

The Polar Plunge, a local charity event where participants fundraise for the Special Olympics. Where volunteers or nominees dive into a frozen lake. “A few days before the event I found out that who I believe is the CEO of Caribou went around and donated to everyone who decided to participate in the plunge. To make sure everyone got something.” Seeing this, Lynn reached out to coworkers asking if they’d like to participate with her.  

Lynn attended SMSU in 2019 and found this event through her workplace, Caribou Coffee.  Being a sponsor of the event itself, seeking employees to participate. “I haven’t raised money like this since I was girl scout trying to sell cookies.” She reminisces about raising $135, almost doubling the recommended donation. Using social media to outreach even more people.  When asked why she decided to take part in this event rather than just donating, she responded. “I was a girl scout in middle school, so I was used to doing volunteer work, and I hadn’t done anything like that in a while.” 

But volunteering for such an event raises a burning question. Would you be able to look down on the cold body of water and dive right in? Some simply can’t, where they are asked to donate funds rather than their bodies. But for those who brave the plunge, they are more than just a participant. They’re an icon raising money locally and uniting everyone to show their support for one cause. “Looming anxiety” Is how Lynn describes the days leading up to the plunge.  “I’m a super anxious person in general.” 

 It takes place on February 28, at Lake Nokomis Park in Minneapolis. Lynn finally sees the lake for the first time anxiety building in the back of her mind.” Her group was walked onto the frozen lake, brought to the center facing the shore. “It didn’t register to me that the lake would literally be frozen over, and they literally have people out there breaking the ice for us to be able to jump in there.” Doubt set in her mind, and she wondered if she would be able to dive into that lake. “There were kids that had gone to the Special Olympic camps before running up and down the tunnels cheering you on.” Lynn says. This was the turning point for her, the moment when she knew she had to do this. 

“There were signs saying that the temperature of the water was 33 degrees… not sure what that feels like but we’re about to find out.” Lynn recalls the moments leading up to the plunge, groups of people diving in one by one as she waited for her group’s turn. “There were people taking shots of Fireball before jumping in, and I was like that’s a great idea. I should’ve brought some with me.” She also noted many of her fellow volunteers wearing pink tutus.  

When her number was up, the volunteers didn’t give her a chance to second guess herself. Counting them down immediately. Then she dives in. “Your body literally freezes for a second. Self-preservation kicks in and you’re like oh okay I need to move now.” The swim wasn’t long, and there were EMT’s dressed as lifeguards ready to make a move. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Luckily, they had the warm tents otherwise I think you’d literally turn into an ice cube… You can tell they do not want you to die of hypothermia.” 

 When Lynn had her chance to finally breathe and warm up, she felt a sense of pride in what she had done. Not overcoming the cold water, but her own fears. “Even the people who’ve been a part of the Special Olympics were up there shaking hands. Thanking you for your donations.” She now is excited for next year’s plunge. “It makes you feel good; makes you feel like you’re doing something right in the world.” Describing it as: “A few minutes of discomfort for a lot good.” Finally, she discussed her plan for her next plunge. “Next time I’m going to bring shots of Fireball apparently and a tutu.”