A field of 70 to 80 swimmers braved cold winds and 13 degree ocean temperatures to honour the late Mount Maunganui College student Jed Roberts this morning.

Adorned in orange, Mount Maunganui College students, teachers and community members took a hearty plunge into the ocean near Omanu Surf Club at 8.30am to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Year 11 student Daniel Edwards and Year 12 student Amon Rimene after the icy swim in the ocean.

The plunge was dedicated to former student Jed, who passed away following a 19-month long battle with Leukaemia in 2011.

Mount Maunganui College sports leaders Ashley Cochrane and Jackson Edwards organised the event, which will run in conjunction with the school's mufti-day and head-shave, all happening today.

Jackson says the swim was rewarding and all the students were good sports.

"At the first stage it was pretty cold, but the refreshing stage came in.

"It was good to see everyone rushing into the water, no one hesitated to go in, everyone running in for a good cause, it means a lot to me and to Jed's family I bet."

The swim was an emotional experience for Jackson, sparking memories of his time with Jed.

"I can't really feel anything in my body, but definitely emotionally.

"It brings back memories of the old primary school days turning up to school in bare feet, its freezing, but you go and play a game of footy with Jed."

Jed's sister Lia Roberts warms up outside Omanu Surf Club.

Jed's sister, Lia Roberts, was among the swimmers and says her and her family are moved by the support shown by the school, students and the community.

"It was great, so much fun. The turnout was awesome. Everyone got really into it and dressed up.

"A lot of people are peers or friends that turned up, I'm glad about the turnout."

Before the swim, a minutes silence was held, followed by an emotive haka on the beachfront by the school's first XV rugby team.

Jackson believes Jed would have had a laugh out of all the swimmers braving the cold.

"I think he would think we are pretty silly buggers to be honest, he would have thought 'why the hell are you doing that', but anything for Jed, we may as well show our respect in the hardest way possible."

The students are hopeful the Polar Plunge will become an annual event for the school.

See photographs below from Mount Maunganui College's headshave to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.