(AP) - Polar bear plunges planned in two southern New Jersey towns on New Year's Day have been cancelled because organizers think it will be too cold outside.

Ventnor officials say the event's organizers recently contacted them with concerns about the safety of participants who would be jumping into the Atlantic Ocean. They noted that the forecast calls for a high of around 20 degrees on Monday while water temperature likely will be in the mid-40s.

City officials agreed the event should be postponed, saying they would rather "err on the side of safety."

Ocean City officials announced Thursday that their plunge had also been canceled due to the bitter cold. It's not clear if the annual fundraising events will be rescheduled.

Polar bear plunges are still planned for Monday in the nearby towns of Brigantine and Margate.