On New Year’s Day in Coney Island, Brooklyn, the annual “Polar Bear Plunge” took place, with thousands of people braving the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean to welcome the arrival of 2025.
Organized by the Coney Island Alliance and the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, this event, in its 122nd edition since its inception in 1903, had only been canceled once in 2021 due to the pandemic. Approximately 5,000 participants registered for the event this year, with many others joining in without prior registration. The sea temperature was a chilly yet not quite freezing 39 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for a winter dip. Participants joyfully plunged into the water to greet the new year.
The event not only provided an opportunity for people to enjoy the winter swimming sport but also raised funds for local organizations such as the Coney Island YMCA, the New York Aquarium, and the Coney Island Alliance. These organizations work towards various community causes, making the Polar Bear Plunge not just a fun tradition, but also a meaningful way to support the local community.
The Polar Bear Plunge has become a beloved tradition in Coney Island, attracting both locals and visitors who seek an exhilarating start to the new year. The event symbolizes resilience and the spirit of facing challenges head-on, a spirit that Coney Island residents and supporters embody throughout the year.
Despite the cold and potentially uncomfortable conditions, participants showed great enthusiasm and camaraderie during the plunge, creating a festive atmosphere along the Coney Island shoreline. The event serves as a reminder of the unity and strength that can be found in coming together to overcome obstacles and embrace new beginnings.
As the sun set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the participants exiting the water, the sense of accomplishment and shared experience was palpable. The Polar Bear Plunge not only kick-started the new year in an exciting and unconventional way but also highlighted the sense of community and solidarity that defines the spirit of Coney Island.