PORTLAND (AP) – Swimmers in their skivvies braved biting temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean for a handful of New Year’s dips into the icy water on Saturday as much of Maine enjoyed spring like weather.

Swims took place at East End Beach in Portland, where the Polar Dip raised money for the Marine Animal Lifeline, at Old Orchard Beach for Special Olympics Maine, and in Kennebunk for the Atlantic Ocean Plunge.

The polar dips into the Atlantic are a New Year’s tradition for some, said Mickey Boutilier, president of the Special Olympics Maine. The organization hosted its 17th annual Lobster Dip on Saturday to raise money for the Special Olympics.

“Ours is the original dip, and it’s the oldest,” Boutilier said. “I guess you could say we are the grandfather of all dips.”

Organizers estimated there were about 450 swimmers who submerged themselves in 42 degree water for the Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach.

While most swimmers run out as quickly as the run into the water some years, sunny 48-degree weather on New Year’s Day brought a large number of swimmers out for the Lobster Dip, some of whom returned to the water repeatedly.

Last year’s Lobster Dip included a “chicken dip” for people who didn’t want to swim but still wanted to raise money for Special Olympics.

The purpose of the “polar dips” is to raise money for various charities. More than 100 swimmers raised $10,000 for the Marine Animal Lifeline at the Swim for Seals in Portland last year.

And in previous years, the water has plummeted into the 30s for swims at Willard Beach in South Portland and Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth.

Participants then sat in a designated area called the “coop” and sipped hot chocolate by a cozy fire.