New Year’s Day swimmers braved the frigid sea water for the annual polar bear plunges that took place in New York and Boston, as part of an annual tradition that dates back more than 100 years.
Thousands of New Yorkers attended the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on Monday as they raced into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean as temperatures hovered in the mid-to-low 40s eager to ring in the New Year.
Some wore traditional swimwear while others went for a more festive look sporting costumes, face makeup, head masks, wigs and colorful oversized floats.
In Boston, the L Street Brownies celebrated their polar plunge in the Boston Harbor that kicked off around 10am at M Street Beach. The National Atmospheric Oceanic Administration reported that temperatures were around 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dripping from the ocean water and wrapped in a towel, one teen gave CBS News the play by play, saying it was ‘very cold and shocking,’ while another said, ‘its a fun way to start the new year … with a bang.’
A family sporting New Year’s paraphernalia – 2024 party glasses, and top hat, called the event a ‘family tradition.’
‘Now that we are married we are combining it with all our families,’ said the reveler, whose wife was adorned in a colorful costume and yellow rubber ducky float around her waist.
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club that was founded in 1903 says their club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States. Members swim every Sunday from November through April, according to its site.
But, the L Street Brownies claim to be the oldest ‘polar bear club’ in America, as per the news outlet.
Proceeds from both events go towards local charities. Last year’s Coney Island Polar Plunge drew an estimated 4,000 people. It remains unclear the number of revelers who turned up at this years events.
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This swimmer looks ready as he eagerly leaps into the icy cold waters in the Boston Harbor as other follow suit
Bostonians race towards the ocean waters during the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Temperatures in Boston Harbor were at a chilly 44.6F, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
A swimmer is seen in mid-air racing towards the icy waters of Brooklyn’s Coney Island during this year’s polar plunge
More swimmers delight in the brisk waters during the L Street Brownies cold water plunge
Some wore colorful knitted head masks as they braved the frigid waters of the Atlantic ocean
A reveler smiles big as he stands in the ocean water dressed up as a clown as he marks 2024
One woman wearing a rubber ducky float appears to be enjoying herself at the annual event that draws thousands in Coney Island each year
A swimmer is conquering the icy cold water during the L Street Brownies cold water plunge on M Street beach
One swimmer dons a glittery gold and black party glasses as part of his costume for this year’s 2024 plunge
Some swimmers were seen getting their party on drinking champagne on the beach as part of the New Year’s celebration
A couple sport matching polar bear head masks as they walk in the ocean water ready to face the cold
One participant doesn’t hesitate as he leaps right into the frigid waters eager to take the plunge
Two people embrace each other as they stand in the waist-length waters during the L-Street Brownies cold water plunge
A pro-Palestinian supporter stood on the beach at the Coney Island event holding a bullhorn and Palestinian flag as other around her ventured in the ocean waters
At Monday’s polar plunge in Coney Island a group of children and adults enjoy the challenge and race into the icy waters
A little boy dressed in a dark tailored suit holds his father’s hand during the annual event that drew thousands
A close-up of a man holding his arms up in triumph during the Boston event
Two partygoers enjoying their New Year’s Day outing at the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge that was held at Monday at 10am