More than 40 UAS students and faculty jumped from the Auke Bay dock into the 38 degree water on Saturday as part of the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

"Many of the students are outside the Juneau area," UAS Activities Director Tish Griffin said. "They think the novelty of jumping into the water is great idea."

One of the students jumping was Amy Jarvis an exchange student from Wales. "I jumped just to say IÍve done it."

John Alvey from Colorado, like other students, said he was nervous just before jumping. "I wasnÍt sure I was going to jump until they said, "Three" and everybody went. Then it was just swim to the edge and get out!

Cathy Randall and Linden Grothe were two of several biology majors who took the plunge. "ItÍs a really good learning experience," Randall laughed. Hitting the water was "like needles," Randall said. The two students, who painted UAS in red on their backs, jumped twice.

Griffin said precautions during the plunge to ensure safety included two EMTs, one of whom was in the water in a dry suit, heated vans, blankets, towels and hot packs. Griffin said, "We wanted to make sure everyone understood they were on their own when they jumped, but we were here to help them if they got in trouble."