Record $2M raised at 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS — More than 7,100 men and women, clad in shorts or bikinis, jumped into near-freezing Atlantic Ocean on Saturday to raise a record $2 million for charity.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge raises funds for Special Olympics NJ.

This year's turnout bested last year's $1.9 million haul, which was the highest amount ever raised until this year.

The weather on Saturday afternoon was a breezy and wet 50 degrees. The water was about 40 degrees.

Our photo contest winners were Joe Reyes with the 1st Place award and Audrey Cifrodella, who earned 2nd Place. You can see their photos in the gallery above.

Our very own Big Joe Henry was there, broadcasting live from Spicy Cantina at 500 Boardwalk.