WEBSTER, Mass. - Spring may have started a few days ago, but some in Central Massachusetts jumped ahead to summer and pulled out the bathing suits Saturday.

Members of the Webster Lake Association hosted their second annual Polar Plunge, where they hopped into the freezing cold water at Memorial Beach. A chilly morning didn't make their dip any easier, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the high thirties. 

The association is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing, preserving and protecting the quality of the lake and its watershed. The plunge was part of a fundraising effort for the Webster Fire Rescue Department in memory of firefighter Paul Cloutier, who passed away unexpectedly last month while responding to a water rescue. Part of the proceeds will go towards water rescue training.

"I didn't know Paul personally," Katie O'Leary, who is the director of the association. "But from what I hear, he was a wonderful, wonderful person. Very full of life, really important to the fire department and especially the rescue department too. He was on the dive team. So, it was just very tragic what happened when he was on his way to a water rescue. The Webster Lake Association knowing he was coming to the water decided today would be a great day to honor him."

More than 30 brave souls of all ages took the plunge, but weren't in the water for long. But, participants say they were happy to do it for very worthy cause.

"Cold. Cold," joked Matt Ferrara, a member of the Webster Fire Department. "I've never felt anything like it before. Pauly was obviously one of our brothers. He always said try new things. This was a first for me and it's cold."

"It was actually, it was pretty cold," said Webster Police chief Michael Shaw. "I think it was warmer than the air, but given the time of the year, it was actually not that bad. It's a great cause. I mean, we did it last year and it was for a good cause for the lake association, this year, doing it for Paul is fantastic. It's a great way to honor him and his memory. Anything we can do to support that and keep that spirit of his alive."

"Very cold," said participant Madison Laframboise. "Chillier than last year. I'll be back next year."

As of Saturday morning, they had raised more than $1,200. Money last year was used towards the rain garden which is proposed for Memorial Beach.