Hundreds Brave Icy Waters for 2010 Polar Plunge

WMBF News

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Air temperatures in the mid 30s and a 47-degree ocean didn't stop hundreds from gathering at the Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach Saturday afternoon for the 2010 Polar Plunge.

The event, benefitting the South Carolina Special Olympics, drew hundreds from across the state to Myrtle Beach for the weekend to take a once-a-year dip into the ocean in the middle of the winter. Participants taking the plunge raised funds over the last few months to help fund Special Olympians competing in the Palmetto State.

While it may have been a first plunge for some, others like Officer Erik Karney says it's the thrill of the chilly Atlantic Ocean and helping out hundreds of athletes that keeps him coming back year after year.

"It has just grown in my heart and it's become something I'm probably never going to be able to stop," he said.

The fact of the matter - Karney's first plunge had him hooked. This year's plunge marks his fourth polar plunge, but this time around, he got in on a little extra action.

"We started plunging at 2 p.m. and plunged every hour until the 'Super Plunge' at 2 p.m. Saturday," Karney said.

Some people may call him crazy, but much to his belief, he has a following of students at Socastee High School who were right alongside him for Saturday's Super Plunge.

"Hook, line and sinker, I know I have them for the next year," Karney said confidently when asked how he manages to convince a group of teens to take the plunge. "They enjoy it so much and they realize it's not just about getting cold."

Groups like Karney's following have helped raise thousands of dollars for the South Carolina Special Olympics. Organizer Sue Maney says it's the outpouring of support from the community that drives the state's nearly 500 Special Olympians.

"Everybody goes back and tells their family and friends how great it was and how brave they were," said Maney. "So then, of course, we get more people every year."

Event organizers say they hope this year's plunge has raised more than $60,000 for the organization.

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