RCMP officers support Special Olympics with Polar Plunge

Members of the Manitoba RCMP took part in a Polar Plunge to help the Special Olympics.

Members of Manitoba’s RCMP took the plunge to support the Special Olympics over the weekend.

The Polar Plunge happened Saturday at Paint Lake, located south of Thompson, seeing supporters of the Special Olympics Manitoba dive into the lake.

“It was a bit of a different experience, but it’s definitely a memorable one,” said Supt. Paul Peddle, district commander for the RCMP’s district in northern Manitoba.

Peddle was among five RCMP members who took part and was doing it for the first time.

“I grew up around Newfoundland, been in some cold waters, but I think this one takes the cake,” he said, noting it felt like -48 with the windchill Saturday.

Peddle decided he wouldn’t just jump in normally; he cannonballed into the lake in full uniform.

“When I hit the water, it was pretty extreme, it was definitely a shock to the system,” he said. “You kind of lose your breath for 10 seconds, but you’ve got the motivation of all the people there cheering you on.”

Peddle said he would do the Polar Plunge again.