Polar bear participant Joe Cody chose to wear only American flag swim trunks as he waded into the Wolf River Harbor Saturday, The (Memphis) Commercial-Appeal reported.

"Showing my patriotism," the 22-year-old said, standing on the cobblestone ramp at Mud Island River Park.

Cody and about 100 others jumped into the 44-degree water to raise money for Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Cody even planned out how he would enter the cold water.

"I'm thinking kind of a 'Baywatch' run, you know, kind of slow," he said. "It's going to be brutal."

Special Olympics provides sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.