Twiddling and twirling balloons into all shapes and sizes was Sylvia Matthies, balloon artist.

Don't call them rookies. Jim Caruth (back left) and Mike Ellis have done the plunge for six years each now. Eight-year-old Brooke Caruth (left), who was a first-timer last year, welcomed her brother Marc to the scene this year.

Ten-year-old Suzanne Ellis tested the waters for the first time last year. She was back this year, brave as ever.

Deep Cove Lions member Mary Wells was one of the many volunteers and service group representatives that contributed to the event.

Who let the dogs out? Daria Duprey (from left), John Teahen and Doug Little really got into the part much to the surprise of Doug's daughter Karina.

Andrew Harnden, who has done the plung three times now, brought along his son Rhyse who preferred to stay dry and act as coach.

John Frey (from left) Britt McCarty and Andrea Fletcher were aboard their boat watching the action. They handed out a bonus beer to anyone who managed to swim all the way out to the end of the dock.

The St. John's guys were standing by but reported only minor "barnacle" injuries. From left: Dorian Buhler, Keiller Gowans and Les Mina.

West Vancouver safety divers Brenda Roszmann, of Mermaid's Cove in Dundarave, joined Steve Reitenbach for an underwater patrol.

Showing off the new, three-month-old "Batt Mobile" were search and rescue members Tim Jones (from left), his son Curtis, Bruce Moffat and Jackie Moffat.