Polar Bears take their annual New Year’s plunge
Brave Waders Gather at Coney Island for Chilly Swim
Thousands braved the cool temperatures to participate in the annual New Year’s Day Coney Island Polar Bear Swim. Some attendees may have been encouraged by the sunny, warmer than average 48-degree temperature, shrugging it off as “not-so-bad.” Others, however, were noticeably shaken by the cold and salty surf.
For the big dip, folks came to Coney Island from all over the city, and places far away. They were encouraged to bring warm clothes, surf boots or old sneakers, towels and a camera to record their dive for posterity.
The event began at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1 as swimmers gathered on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. There were five groups of runners prepared to take the plunge.