There must be something thrilling about plunging into the freezing ocean in the middle of a Maine winter. Why else would local teenagers choose to do it twice?

Though participants Sunday at the third annual Polar Dip in Scarborough raised money for Project GRACE by running into the ocean, there was no bonus for repeating the act. And yet, after the initial group plunge, several swimmers dried off on the beach only to shed their towels and return to the water.

“It was a blast,” said Paul Chiarantona, 16, of Scarborough.

Chiarantona admitted being scared at first, but ended up double-dipping himself.

About 100 dippers participated in the event at Pine Point Beach, and many more came to support their frigid friends and family as they emerged from the ocean. The dip was hosted by the Scarborough and South Portland high schools’ Key Clubs and sponsored by the Scarborough-South Portland Kiwanis Club.

According to Christy Zavasnik, Key Club adviser in Scarborough, the event has already raised $6,500 from the pledges collected by dippers from individuals and businesses, and donations will continue to be accepted until Feb. 9. They are also raising money by selling “Dove Dollars” at local businesses. One paper dove can be purchased for $1. The dove is the symbol of Project GRACE.

The mission of Scarborough-based Project GRACE (Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort) is to improve the lives of needy Scarborough residents.

At the event, hot cocoa and bagels were provided for the participants, and T-shirts were sold to help raise more money.

Elizabeth Couillard, 18, of Scarborough, designed the “Brave the Waves” T-shirts. She also took the plunge.

“It’s really shocking,” Couillard said of the water, which was 41 degrees Sunday in Portland, according to the National Weather Service. “It takes your breath away when you get out and you can’t feel your feet.”

As he toweled off on the beach, Jeff Poulin, 17, lieutenant governor of the Scarborough Key Club, said he thought the event was a success.

“I think it went absolutely great,” he said.

Though participants might begin to hyperventilate when they come out of the water, according to Dr. Michael Baumann of Maine Medical Center, the polar dip does not pose health risks for most people.

“Young, healthy folks can handle that quite well,” he said.