The annual Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge drew thousands of people to the beach on New Year’s Day as participants took a freezing dip to ring in 2025 while raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. While the day was a little warmer than usual, with air temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Atlantic Ocean was a freezing 44 degrees — but the cold did not deter the adventurous New Yorkers who flocked to the People’s Playground to seize an arctic start to the new year. Get the Full Story Are you shore? Courage met the cold at the water’s edge.
Photo by Erica Price One of the few chickens to brave the water on Wednesday. Photo by Erica Price Thrill-seekers gathered in a variety of attire, from superhero costumes to inflatable animal suits and classic New Year’s garb. Yet, the ocean’s choppy conditions served as an equalizer — everyone, regardless of costume, faced the icy surge of waves crashing over them in breathtaking fashion.
Since 1903, the Coney Island Polar Bears, the oldest winter bathing club in the U.S., have swum in the icy waters of southern Brooklyn every Sunday from November to April.
Every New Year’s Day , they open the beach to allow non-members to take part in what is now an annual tradition for many. The point of no return (and accepting it is just as cold on the shoreline.) Photo by Erica Price The method of madness for many was a quick dash in and out.
Photo by Erica Price The cold waters were no match for this super cou.
