TAFTON, Pa. — Members of the Tafton Dive Team were the first to enter the 40-degree water of Lake Wallenpaupack on New Year's Day.
"All the divers, what they've done is, they've swept the ramp so it's comfortable on people's feet, so they don't trip. They put out the ropes to maintain the safety of the divers in the plunge, so they don't go outside of the ropes, and they make sure they don't go over their heads," said Tafton Dive Team Capt. Charles Simone.
They're suited up because they'll stay in the water much longer than most who came to the First Klas Marina in Palmyra Township.
"Our divers are equipped with dry suits, and underneath their dry suits is warm clothing. Each drysuit costs about $5,000," Simone said. "Their suits keep them nice and warm."
Those suits and other equipment are available to these first responders thanks to the brave souls taking turns getting into the water in the 2024 Paupack Polar Plunge.
"I think it's fantastic that people are supporting us the way they are," said Tafton Fire Chief Michael Miller.
"They're the best," said Paula Mandarcchia. They're out here all the time, 24/7, 365 days a year, and they sacrifice for us. I mean, this is hardly a sacrifice, like a fun way to start the year."
"It's a great cause for the dive rescue team," said Bill Shultz of Doylestown.
For some, this is a yearly tradition, no matter the conditions.
"Just enjoying it. It's actually a really nice day," Shultz said. "The other year, we had a cut through the ice for us. So, it was really cold, that one."
Others used it as a personal challenge, like Steve Juska from Montgomery County, who stayed in the water for ten minutes.
Great," he said. "Everybody, have a great 2024!"
"It's my first time," said Andrew Shultz. "I have no idea what to expect. We'll see. It'll be fun."
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