Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Join The Polar Bears As They Plunge Into The Atlantic This Afternoon
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 1, 2012
Modified Jan 1, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 1, 2012
Modified Jan 1, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photo by Jim Kiernan
It's going to be a downright balmy day, with a high in the mid-50s, so if you ever considered jumping into the Atlantic Ocean on January 1st, this is the January 1st for you! Last year Polar Bear swimmers also got weather in the 50s, but there was snow on the ground, which can really psych a person out. This year, it's all clear skies (full hearts, can't lose), so there's nothing to stop you. And the Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States, so you'll be out there with the experts.
The club's New Year's Day swim is open to the public, and they'll be assembling on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue before the 1 p.m. swim. They note that you should bring "warm clothes, surf boots or old sneakers, towels, and definitely bring your camera." Send us your photos or tag them "Gothamist" on Flickr if you are there taking the plunge (or as a spectator).
Tagged
atlantic ocean
brrrr
coney island
polar bear club
polar bear swim
reminder
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .