In the post at RobGalbraith.com forums I read a wonderful information posted by Chuck Westfall:

The EOS-1D and 1Ds are weather-resistant in conditions equivalent to rainfall at a rate of 10 inches per hour, which would be very heavy rain. Several L-series lenses including the EF 16-35mm L lens have the same degree of weather resistance, but be sure to mount a protective clear filter and the supplied lens hood for best results. We also suggest cleaning the equipment as soon as possible after exposure to rain, and of course the lens mount, the CF card slot cover and the interface ports should be closed at all times during exposure to rain or other precipitation.

The whole post is originated by a photographer accidently submerged in a cold water with his photo gear (fortunately survived) and is wondering about the damage his cameras actually took. And one of the answers that somebody has already experienced similar thing and it turned out OK. Even one of guys (hearsay) had his gear washed under tap water. What a news.
Well, from my experience, I used my camera on the sea shore and some salt water splashed sometimes the camera. And some other day I was under a rain (under an umbrella) and the camera stopped working - the main dial (under you index finger) could not be turned. Canon fixed it without any problems. So I would say it's case-to-case basis, or either the salt water damaged the camera. It could be that my camera wasn't that tought after the assembly line. Who knows. But it seems there are good news