A participant in the fourth annual Frozen Float at Lakewood Beach is pictured doing a headstand on Chautauqua Lake.

LAKEWOOD – Dozens of volunteers plunged into the icy waters at Lakewood Beach recently for the fourth annual Frozen Float, a fundraiser benefiting the South County Flag Football League.

The event, organized by Be More Fitness founder Brad Barmore, drew a crowd who wanted to support youth athletics while embracing the challenge of a mid-winter dip.

“It was a phenomenal event,” Barmore said. “It’s always great to see people outside, embracing hard things.”

For Barmore, the plunge represents more than just a fundraiser–it’s a lesson in resilience.

“This weekend’s event was a microcosm for life,” he said. “Sometimes our jobs are hard, sometimes school is a challenge, sometimes life is difficult, but we have to learn to push through and persevere. That’s the secret of overcoming adversity and living to the fullest.”

The annual tradition continues to grow, helping pay for uniforms and opportunities for young athletes in the South County Flag Football League.