TAFTON, PA — On a rather balmy New Year’s Day, under sunny skies with temps in the mid-40s to mid-50s, an amazing 243 people came out to 1st Klas Marina off Route 507 on Lake Wallenpaupack to show their support of the Tafton and Ledgedale dive teams.

Each participant paid $25 to take the plunge, and for their donation, they received a T-shirt commemorating the event and some bragging rights for jumping into the lake, which registered 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each dive team is composed of an all-volunteer membership. The annual Paupack Polar Plunge is a major fundraiser for the dive teams, and has been for quite some time.

Plungers came in all ages. They were composed of singles, couples, families, friends and business groups; there were even a few plungers who shared the experience with their dogs. There were warm refreshments available inside, and a fire pit offering warmth out near the waterfront.

The plunge organizers said they were extremely grateful for the 42 Lake Region businesses and individuals who generously sponsored the event, and the dozens of dive team and fire company volunteers who made it all happen. There was a special thank-you to Tom and Cheryl Mueller at 1st Klas Marina for presenting and hosting the plunge.

Preliminary figures indicate that slightly over $25,000 was raised from the event, and will be divided between the two dive teams.

The organizers said they wanted to remind folks that they too can get adventurous and put a group together to join in the fun next year!

To learn more, click here to visit the Paupack Polar Plunge on Facebook.

Yep, the water's cold. But participants were glad to support the dive teams.

On a rather balmy New Year’s Day, under sunny skies with temps in the mid-40s to mid-50s, an amazing 243 people came out to 1st Klas Marina to show …

The annual Paupack Polar Plunge has been a fundraiser for the dive teams for quite some time.

Plunge done, everyone heads for shore.

Drying off after the Plunge.