Dusting of snow highlights 11th annual "Splash and Dash"
A group of 10 Bastyr University students, faculty members and staff found a novel way to get out of the snow — by jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Washington.
In a quirky tradition that dates back 11 years, Bastyr University kicked off winter quarter 2009 with its annual "Splash and Dash" on Monday, January 5. Those brave enough to endure the chilling experience ran about a mile (through a dusting of snow) down the hills of St. Edward State Park and plunged into the ice cold waters of the lake. Most didn't stay in the water long, although one bold soul, Pete Soucy, Director of Conference and Food Services, did jump in twice. "I wouldn't call it a swim or even a splash," said Soucy, who participated for the eighth time. "It's more like a dash in and dash out."
Splash and Dash organizers coaxed participants into the lake with an incentive: prizes. The first daredevils to successfully swim 20 yards to retrieve a floating rubber duck and return to shore were awarded prizes ranging from home made hats to specialty hot sauces.
"It has become a real tradition here for the first day of winter quarter," said Soucy, who noted the event has drawn as many as 40 participants in the past. "Today was especially significant because of the snow. We've never had snow for the Splash and Dash."
A group of 10 Bastyr University students, faculty members and staff found a novel way to get out of the snow — by jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Washington.