COEUR d’ALENE — Dustin Johnson was ready to dive into Lake Coeur d’Alene on Thursday morning.

Then, he wasn't.

Johnson took a look at the cold, blue water, glanced at the equally cold, gray sky, felt the biting wind and thought, not today.

“I was debating on it but it’s way too cold,” said Johnson, wearing red sweat pants, shirt and cap. "I decided to dip my feet in."

Even that felt freezing.

“I’m starting to lose all feeling in my feet,” said Johnson, who retreated to a chair and sat by a fire to warm up.

He was one of about 25 people who signed on for a Valentine’s Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics near Independence Point. Individuals and teams took part, raising at least $100 each.

Some were in and out quickly. Others remained in the water, about 35 degrees, for five minutes or longer.

A portable sauna provided by HeatPraxia was popular afterward.

The event was hosted by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, which provided divers to watch after participants.

Tasia DeRuwe, KCSO patrol deputy, described the water as “bitterly cold.”

“Once you get in and you’re fully immersed it wasn’t terrible. It was more the sitting there," she said. "After about a minute or two, you’re cold.”

Barb Jones, Special Olympics Idaho local program coordinator, said it was their first plunge in about five years.

She said, with only two months to pull it together, things went well and, despite a small turnout, it was well worth it.

“It’s for our athletes. We do everything in Kootenai County for our Special Olympics athletes,” she said.

Jones said Special Olympics Idaho has been bringing activities back online after being sidelined due to COVID.

Floor hockey players are in action. Basketball, track and field, cycling and swimming will be coming up soon. 

Tip-A-Cop, when law enforcement officers volunteer as celebrity waiters, with tips going to Special Olympics, is also returning, Jones said.

“We’re back in full force,” Jones said. “We’re just getting the word out.”

John Baird of Sandpoint and Buford Howell of Hayden dove into Lake Coeur d'Alene, high-fiving before leaving the water.

Baird said conditions weren’t tough enough.

“We were hoping for snow and white caps,” he said, grinning.

“It’s for a good cause,” Howell said. “We wanted to have fun with it.”

Both remained in the water for several minutes before returning to shore and grabbing towels.

“We couldn’t be the first ones in,” Baird said, laughing.

“Not as tough as those guys," Howell said of others still in the water. "But it’s all good."

“They’re a little bit younger than us,” Baird said.

KCSO's Jonathan Traw said the water was fine and he didn't mind standing around in it.

“I feel good,” he said. “When you come out, it’s nice.”

Traw said some with KCSO were there for safety reasons, while others, like himself, had to take the dip.

“I think I drew the short straw,” he said, smiling.

Deputies Kurtis Didier and Mitch Jan, both wearing dry suits, carried Jessica Bellefeuille, former Ms. Wheelchair Idaho, in and out of the lake.

“It’s being a steward of the community,” Didier said.

They enjoyed going in the water, while still being nice and dry.

“Loved it,” Jan said.

    Kootenai County Sheriff's deputies Kurtis Didier, left, and Mitch Jan carry Jessica Bellefeuille from Lake Coeur d'Alene following the Valentine's Polar Plunge on Thursday
  

    Dustin Johnson warms up by the fire after the Valentine's Polar Plunge into Lake Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
  

    Participants in the Valentine's Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Idaho stand in Lake Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
  

    Jonathan Traw leaves Lake Coeur d'Alene after taking the Valentine's Polar Plunge on Thursday.