Around 1,000 people kicked off 2019 by plunging into the Atlantic Ocean for charity.

The Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge started in Asbury Park in 2002 to raise money for local Monmouth County charities.

And although the water was cold – around 45 degrees Tuesday – the participants were able to rest easy knowing they raised a large amount of money for two charities: Mary’s Place by the Sea, a cancer treatment center for women, and You Can Not Be Replaced, a suicide prevention organization.

“Finding these little charities, they have very small budgets…doing incredible work, really tremendous work,” says Sons Of Ireland member John O’Burge.

It was not immediately clear how much money was raised Tuesday, but organizers say that the crowd this year was one of the largest in the event’s history.