New Yorkers unafraid of braving the freezing waters of Coney Island will return to the ocean for the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day.
Every New Years Day for 120 years, swimmers sporting their skivvies or wild costumes dive into the freezing Atlantic to symbolically wash away the year before.
Those who would like to attend the New Year’s Day Plunge can participate as an individual alongside other supporters, join a team or create their own teams to help raise funds. With the safety of plunge participants as a priority, those not wanting to brave the cold can also choose to donate virtually at polarbearclub.org.
Funds help support a variety of initiatives helping local arts, conservation, and community-based organizations in Coney Island.
Fun fact: The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, dating back to 1903.
