70 Freezing Photos From The Coney Island Polar Bear Club's New Year's Swim 2014

Scott Lynch

Published Jan 2, 2014

Modified Jan 2, 2014

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Scott Lynch / Gothamist

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Scott Lynch

Published Jan 2, 2014

Modified Jan 2, 2014

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Despite falling on one of the coldest New Year's Days in recent memory, some 2,500 insane people ripped off their clothes yesterday and plunged into the Atlantic Ocean for the annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club Swim.

The Coney Island Polar Bears have been frolicking in these wintertime waters since 1903, and though the hardcore members come out every Sunday, the New Year's Day Swim is by far their most heavily-attended event. And it's not just about crazy costumes, ogling goosebumps, and pre-gaming at Ruby's; registered swimmers are asked to donate $20 to raise money for Camp Sunshine, an organization for terminally ill children.

The water temperature was 41 degrees yesterday, which likely felt even more terrible when the bathers got back out onto the 34-degree beach. Unlike other years, few participants lingered after the plunge was accomplished, but everyone seemed to have a blast anyway: between the booze, the feeling of accomplishment, and the general atmosphere of camaraderie, 2014 began with no regrets (except maybe for a little shrinkage).

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