"The new year arrived windy and freezing in Brooklyn, but bone-chilling weather couldn't stop tradition as thousands of people welcomed 2026 at the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge. After a few years of warm weather, New Year's Day this year was bracing. When the plunge began at 11 a.m., temperatures hovered around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill in the teens and the Atlantic Ocean was a near-Arctic 39 degrees."
"I heard that more than anything else. 2025 was the worst because of A, B, C and I just need this. It was lifelong Brooklynite Adrienne Lerner's third time taking the plunge with friends. I started doing it as something to start the year by doing something a little brave, and setting a tone for a new year that way, she said. A little strength, a little bravery, take a risk. That's how it started."
The Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge drew about 5,000 participants on New Year's Day 2026 despite frigid conditions, with temperatures around 25°F, wind chills in the teens, and Atlantic water near 39°F. The crowd was slightly smaller than in past years but energetic and committed because of the extreme cold. Many participants sought a symbolic fresh start after a difficult 2025. Costumes and camaraderie were prominent, including a pair of fairy costumes inspired by yin and yang. Lifelong Brooklynite Adrienne Lerner took the plunge for the third time to start the year bravely and set a positive, supportive tone.
#coney-island-polar-bear-plunge #new-years-day-tradition #cold-water-swimming #community-and-camaraderie
Read at www.amny.com
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