Thousands kick off 2025 participating in annual Coney Island Polar Bear plunge [Video]

CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (WABC) — Several thousands welcomed 2025 with a nice cold dip as part of the annual Coney Island Polar Bear plunge on Wednesday.

The event, put on by The Alliance for Coney Island and the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, celebrated its 122nd year in existence.

Participant Dawn Clarity told Eyewitness News she’s been taking part in the plunge for decades.

“It brings people together,” she said. “People have a great time. They can be what they want to be, wear what they want to wear and jump in the water. I would recommend anybody to do this.”

Registration for the event was free, with all the donations going to nonprofits around Coney Island.

“Our Polar Bear Plunge has been a beloved tradition for over a century, and there’s truly no better way to kick off the New Year,” said Cindy Vourderis, Event Organizer, and Marketing, Events and Public Relations Manager for …