HAMPTON BEACH – Whipping winds and whitecaps greeted 593 plungers representing 43 high schools from across the state at Hampton Beach on Saturday as they jumped into the Atlantic Ocean for a great cause.

The plungers raised just more than $190,000 during the seventh annual High School Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New Hampshire, about $50,000 more than was raised by 420 plungers in 2014.

Lindsey Baxter, of Winnacunnet High School, earned the “King Penguin” award for raising nearly $9,000, the most raised by any individual student.

The Top Flocks by division were:

Division I, Nashua High School South, more than $31,000.

Division II, Goffstown High School, almost $12,000.

Division III, Campbell High School, about $6,000.

Division IV, Epping High School, more than $6,400.

On Sunday, the adults got in on the fun during the 16th annual Penguin Plunge. Waves plungers took their turn dipping into the icy waters beginning at noon.

This year’s Penguin Plunge theme was “superheroes,” and many participants wore costumes for their arctic plunge, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“Participating in the Penguin Plunge is an exciting way for people, businesses and high schools to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics,” said Mary Conroy, president of SONH.

“The support we receive from the community through this event helps us provide year-round sports training and competition to 2,985 athletes in the state.”

SONH winter water sports will continue Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15, during the High School Dip and Winni Dip in Laconia. For more information, visit www.sonh.org.