HALIFAX - People donned tutus and neon Speedos as they plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean Thursday for an annual polar bear dip in Nova Scotia.

Organizers said more than 150 people young and old braved the annual New Year's Day jump in Herring Cove, about 15 kilometres outside Halifax.

Many wore costumes and screamed as they jumped off a wharf two by two, the air temperature hovering around -3 C.

Dozens gathered on the wharf and surrounding areas under sunny skies to take in the action, with many cheering and clapping as participants leaped into the chilly water.

Erica Oliver, a first time jumper from St. Margaret's Bay, said the water was cold, but it wasn't as bad as she expected.

Money raised at the event will go to a local food bank.