After the first time he jumped into the 30-degree water eight years ago, Mark Mackesy swore he’d never do it again.

“Every year I say I’m never doing it again,” said Mackesy yesterday. “Then when it comes to July or August and I’ve had a chance to thaw out, I say, ‘That wasn’t so bad.’”

Besides, it’s for a good cause. The 11th annual Penguin Plunge drew hundreds to Hampton Beach Sunday for a day of celebration and fundraising for N.H. Special Olympics. One of the largest Special Olympics fundraisers of the year, the event raised more than $575,000, with even more money raised during a smaller Saturday plunge.

For Mackesy and the other 700 people who threw themselves into the ocean in Hampton on Sunday, the water was something of a relief. With temperatures in the teens and a sturdy wind, the slightly above-freezing water offered an improvement.

“People were talking about how the water’s warmer than the air, but it’s not exactly like stepping into a hot tub,” said Mackesy.

Mackesy was joined by several other Monadnock region residents, as well as “Plungers” from as far north as Berlin. Attendees enjoyed a circus-themed parade, catering and a live band. When it came time to jump into the ocean, many made the dive wearing their parade costumes. Some dressed as clowns, some wearing bikinis and others with bathing suits, shoes and knee-high wool socks sprinted into the water as emergency personnel looked on.
Mackesy has been attending the events for eight years and said yesterday he likes knowing where his contributions go. The plunge benefits Special Olympics New Hampshire, and all funds raised go to state organizations. According to its Web site, SONH serves more than 3,500 Special Olympians and participants.

“Everybody else is always hitting you up for a donation, but you don’t necessarily know where it’s going,” said Mackesy. “All this money stays right here.”

Attendance dropped off slightly from the more than 800 who took a dip last year, said Mackesy. He said he hoped people would get more involved in local Special Olympics and special needs fundraisers. Mackesy, who works at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, said most participants are simply interested in spreading the word.

“Nobody there is doing it for a pat on the back or the ‘good guy’ award,” said Mackesy. “They’re doing it for the cause.”