The FAQ on the Coney Island Polar Bears Club says it all. Today they are doing their annual New Year’s Day swim.
Are you folks nuts?
Not particularly. We’re just a group of people from all walks of life who deeply enjoy the activity of cold water swimming. Some do it for possible health benefits. Some do it for the love of water. Some do it to stay active at Coney Island. And others, well, maybe a few of us are nuts. But all do it for the fun of it. If it’s not fun, then stay out of the water.
Can’t you get hypothermia doing that?
It is possible to get hypothermia, but in Club memory, going back over twenty years now, no member has ever suffered from hypothermia or frostbite. We know our limits and look out for each other.
donated $100 online to camp sunshine. then caught some sleep. woke up and became a clown and drove my rented auto and parked in aquarium and saw hundreds of brrrrrrrrrrrave swimmers egggging each other on to race into the icy surf with their fans applauding and laughing and guarding their warm dry clothing for immediate application afterward for some. i gave out 50 red clown noses reminding the lucky-no cursing, smoking, or boozing when wearing them. then i walked to the shore and swatted marshmallows to the wet, the wild, and the wobbly with my tennis racket. some caught and gobbled them like bread tossed to sea gulls. others missed them the first time. some i handed out. i tossed out some rubber duckies also. the ocean soup rose almost to my knees. posed with some moist hot cool babes. posed with others who lost touch with their toes. i have a few cold water plunges under my belt. an invigorating inspiring way to start the new year. preparation ought to begin at least a month in advance with lots of vitamin c, the finest hot tea, and no colds but exposure to the elements. we lucked out this year for first timers. 55′ air and 48′ water milder than other years. yet a challenge nevertheless. nothing sexier than a smiling happy excited lady. as a clown i generate smiles and laughter and fun. we were in the same boat on this day. full steam ahead! tons of photographers snapped my picture. would love to receive or see them. kindness to clowns(good ones) delivers good luck. see you guys around. make it a great year for the good guys!