More than 200 people and two four-legged guests started the new year Monday morning at Lake Farmington with the third annual Dave and Friends Polar Bear Plunge.

The event, organized initially by Dave Dailey as a small event, now contributes donations to local causes. This year, the plunge benefited 4 Corners K9 Search and Rescue.

For participant Haleigh Bassing, the event, held as the air temperature to 40 degrees, highlighted a sense of community.

“It's really cool that people are willing to get out of their comfort zone to support a cause,” Bassing said. “It's January, not July, and we're jumpin’ in a lake.”

Bernadine Beyale, founder of the search and rescue, on Monday emphasized the nonprofit’s focus on helping families in the Four Corners and described challenges that families face when searching for missing relatives. The organization serves as a bridge between families and law enforcement, offering support and expertise.

“We do a lot of work on the Navajo Nation and in the surrounding communities to help families who have lost or missing relatives,” Beyale said.

The nonprofit was built largely on its rescue dogs, including German shepherd Trigger, whose talent started it all, Beyale said.

A trainer first recognized Trigger's talent and told Beyale that the 8-week-old dog should be working in search and rescue. Beyale committed to the idea, and 4 Corners K9 Search and Rescue was born. Trigger and Gunny, a 2-year-old Czech shepherd, are trained and certified in live rescues and recovery searches.

The organization fills a growing need in the Four Corners, Beyale said.

“In 2022, we received 50 phone calls, and of those 50 calls, 25 turned into missions. This year, we received 75 phone calls, and 34 turned into missions. When we get these phone calls, we have to determine if we can do anything; is there enough information, are there enough facts, is there enough evidence for us to work off, is there enough evidence for the dogs to work off?” Beyale said. “I have a full-time job, so I can only do this on the weekends, but I don't say no. If I'm available, I'm there.”

Last year, the polar plunge benefited Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico.

According to Dailey, the event was inspired by the cold exposure techniques that a friend and regular participant, Tim Ulrich, has practiced for years.

“Athletes do it for muscle soreness, and university studies have shown it's very good at boosting the immune system,” Ulrich said Monday. “It’s a willpower exercise.

Physical therapist Bill Scott and his wife, nurse Jessie Scott, touted the benefits of cold exposure.

“If you average 11 minutes per week, it helps stimulate an immune response,” said Bill Scott. “It also has a psychological aspect, challenging your fight or flight systems, helping you to better handle stress, reduce anxiety, and promote clearer thought during high-stress situations.”

“There's a great dopamine kick; you feel great for hours afterward, and if you can conquer the challenge of it, you know you deal with a lot,” said Jessie Scott.

Another nurse, Rebekah Berve-Stamets, agreed, saying “I never enjoy it, but I feel amazing afterward throughout the rest of the day.”