Despite snow, hundreds run into the Atlantic Ocean at Southampton polar bear plunge

His aqua-blue mermaid outfit adorned with seashells and a green boa was UNLkely to keep Jimmy Mack warm as he plunged into icy waters, but it made for a fun spectacle.

Shivering in the 27-degree weather at Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, Mack was one of 350 people to run into the Atlantic Ocean at the 10th annual Human Resources of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge at Cooper's Beach in Southampton Village.

“The thrill of the crowd keeps me going,” said Mack, 56, of Southampton, about the 500 people who attended the event Saturday morning despite light snowfall.

Mack took a quick dip into the 40-degree waters with his husband, Brian Mott, 48. Mott was dressed as the Greek god Neptune and also wore multicolored Mardi Gras beads around his neck that bobbed as he ran into the water.

“Brian is from New Orleans and we thought the beads would be great to wear today,” Mack said. “This is his second year taking the polar plunge and my tentth.”

Human Resources of the Hamptons holds the plunge each year to raise money for the organization, which helps those less fortunate. This year the event brought in $70,000, said Mary Ann Tupper, the organization's executive director.

The money helps Human Resources of the Hamptons fill its food pantry, buy reusable clothing and help residents unable to pay their utility or heating bills.

Tupper said the event has grown in popularity since its first year.

“The first year, we had 50 people show up,” Tupper, 65, of Southampton, said.

This year’s was Tupper’s last organizing the plunge. After 21 years with the organization, she plans to retire this year. She said the plunge has always been something she looked forward to.

“I remember my first year when I ran into the water and hit a gully,” she said. “I fell face forward.”

Marine Sgt. Pablo Abad, 25, of Southampton, said he was eager to race into the frigid waters for a great cause.

“This is my second time,” he said. “It’s freezing but it doesn’t bother me. I put my whole body into the water, from head to toe. I do it because I like to help out the community.”

Southampton resident Don King admitted he loves taking the plunge – regardless of the weather.

“This is my ninth plunge into the water,” King, 56, said. “I love it. I love the ocean. I stayed in the water for about three minutes. It’s an adrenaline kick.”