In shorts and sandals, wetsuits and even a bikini they charged into the frosty water as part of the annual Ice Plunge to raise money for the SES.

With squeals and yelps they charged through the lake. The bravest submerged themselves fully in the five-degree water while most preferred a mad dash back to their towels.

“It’s cold each time,” Mel Andrews said of her second Ice Plunge.

“I only went in about two feet and then dunked myself.”

Adeline Hanlon also took the plunge last year, the first time the event was run, but said this year the water was colder.

Her technique for surviving the plunge was simple.

“Just run, get in and get out as quickly as possible,” she said.

Justin Hanlon said the snow which blanketed the resort in late April had made conditions colder.

Falls Creek Resort Management marketing and events officer Renja Moegel said last year the first Ice Plunge attracted 70 people brave enough to welcome in winter with the icy bath.

“There was a story years ago that if you jumped in the dam it would bring the snow clouds,” she said.

“It raises funds for the Falls Creek SES and it’s a community event.

“We get new and returning staff to go in it for a bit of wacky fun.”

This year the popularity of the event also spread further with people coming from Mount Beauty, Dederang and Albury for the chilly dip.

Falls Creek SES controller Adam Westmore said money raised would go towards purchasing a new snowmobile.

He said the SES would apply for a Community Safety Emergency Support Program grant from the Victorian Government under which the Government would donate $2 for every $1 the group raises.