Thanks to the sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures Saturday, the more than 100 swimmers taking part in the Medical Lake Polar Plunge, including Spokane's Police Chief and Sheriff, had it pretty easy.

Saturday's event raised money for Eastern Washington's Special Olympic athletes. Local law enforcement has been a major supporter of the games, raising more than a half-million dollars state-wide last year.

At the Medical Lake Polar Plunge, Spokane Police Chief Ann Kirkpatrick and Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich stood along the sandy beach anticipating the frigid waters.

?We're like popsicles, copsicles, you know, it's a little chilly out here,? Sheriff Knezovich said.

Both Knezovich and Kirkpatrick have participated in the polar plunge in years past. Last year, they both commented, the water was a thick sheet of ice and there was still snow on the ground.

?This year, this is spring in comparison, but it's fun, it's a great cause,? Chief Kirkpatrick said.

This year's event may have taken on a sunnier disposition, but nothing could have prepared the more than 100 swimmers at Saturday's event for the shock of the water.

?The water can be deceiving,? Knezovich said as he turned around to take a second plunge into the water, raising his hands in victory.

The money raised Saturday will go directly to the athletes. The Special Olympics does not get any state or federal funding, which is why the organization depends on fundraisers like the polar plunge.

?It is sports, but beyond that it's friendship, camaraderie, and just the opportunity to get better, to train and develop social skills,? Special Olympics Development Director Matt McCoy said.

McCoy's 12-year-old daughter Ann will turn 13 at next weekend's winter Special Olympics event in the Wenatchee area. She's a skiier, who won gold in 2007.

Saturday's Medical Lake Polar Plunge raised $20,000 for the Special Olympics.