KENNEWICK, Wash.-- If you thought it was cold out, imagine going for a swim in the Columbia River.
Well, almost a thousand people did just that Saturday for the annual Polar Plunge
This is the seventh year for the event, which raises money for Special Olympics of Washington.
The Kennewick Police Department hosts the event every year to benefit the athletes.
Every dollar raised stays in Washington and 82 cents of every dollar stays in Benton and Franklin Counties.
"It just goes to show how absolutely supportive the Tri-Cities is, how giving they are and being willing to come down on a Saturday morning in 30 degree weather and share their time and their support, their financial support," said Sgt. Randy Maynard, Kennewick Police Department.
"My niece has down syndrome. She is a Special Olympics participant and she is the reason that the Shadey Characters plunge every year."said Jo Ellen Krone, plunging in with her team Shadey Characters.
People jumped into the water in groups of thirty.
A dive and rescue team was also in the water, making sure everyone made it out alright.
