A total of 445 people took a dip in the sea, which today had 12 degrees Celsius. They were cheered on by some 4,000 spectators.

"Those who jump once usually come to do it again and then they bring friends," Nino Cokan of the local sports association organising the event explained.

He believes the turnout was record high due to the sunny weather, relatively warm water and good promotion of the event.

The brave swimmers come from all over Slovenia as well as abroad, locals do not dominate the event.

This year, the event featured swimmers from eight countries, the organisers said. The youngest participant was seven years old and the oldest 86, unofficially.

All those who dared the cold sea also received the title of ambassador of the Slovenian sea.

Cokan expressed regret that local hotel operators refused to participate in the project.