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Pike County Paupack Polar Plunge

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP — The chilly temps and snow didn’t keep the daredevils from taking a frosty dip in Pike County. They dove into Lake Wallenpaupack f...
pike polar plunge 2-14-15

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP -- The chilly temps and snow didn't keep the daredevils from taking a frosty dip in Pike County.

They dove into Lake Wallenpaupack for the Fourth Annual Paupack Plunge.

"We've done it here and a couple other places.  Our cousins get together for Team Steele, " said John Lamoreaux, Harveys Lake.

Despite the freezing cold temperatures in this part of Pike County, more than 150 dressed in bathing suits and costumes, signed up and plunged into the lake from Lighthouse Harbor Marina's Shoreline.

The event was to help out and raise awareness for the Tafton Water Rescue Team and the Ledgedale Dive Team.

"They have a great time, these people come here to have a great time.  Our community really support us and we are really thankful for the people we have in this area," said Richard Pontosky, Ledgedale Dive Team Lt.

They [the divers] say despite the fact that they couldn't feel their bodies afterwards, they are freezing for a reason and that's all that matters.

Michael Stanton of Clarks Summit said, "It's something you have to do at least once, or four times or five times."

Stanton  made the most out of his plunge experience. Not only did he brave the cold water, but when he was done, he made some snow angels.

"No one else was doing it," said Stanton. "You gotta (grunt) live it! It's good!"

Other folks say it's a fun and creative way to get friends and family out during the winter.

"On the ride up the regret sets in and then we get here and it's really cold and we just want to get in there," said Alysa Scavone, Exeter.

"I feel cold, but exhilarated," said John Lamoreaux, Harveys Lake. "I like it, it's fun. It's a good thing to do."

Last year, the event near Greentown raised more than $6,000 for the local rescue teams.

With more people taking the plunge each year, they hope to continue to see that number go up.

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