Thousands of swimmers and spectators gathered at Coney Island on January 1, 2025, for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Organized by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the New Year's Day event sent successive groups into 37-degree Atlantic water while costumes, music, volunteers, and the boardwalk turned the swim into a public celebration.
TheNakedNYC Coverage
YouTube: New Year's Day in the Atlantic
Instagram: The 2025 Plunge
What to Know
A Tradition Dating to 1903
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club traces its New Year's Day plunge to 1903. What began with a small cold-water swimming group developed into one of the city's best-known first-day-of-the-year rituals.
The Ocean Was 37 Degrees
Water temperature in 2025 was reported at approximately 37 degrees Fahrenheit, with air temperatures in the low 40s. Participants generally spent only a brief period in the surf before returning to the beach.
Swimmers Entered in Waves
The main plunge unfolded over roughly an hour rather than as one simultaneous entry. Volunteers, registration systems, and safety personnel managed the large field as successive groups approached the water.
Costumes Changed the Mood
Superheroes, holiday characters, and other elaborate outfits appeared beside conventional swimwear. The costumes made the difficult physical act legible as celebration as well as endurance.
Donations Supported Coney Island
The event raised funds for organizations serving the surrounding community. Its charitable purpose connected a highly photographed annual spectacle to education, health, and neighborhood services.
The Club Swims Beyond New Year's Day
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club maintains a broader cold-water swimming practice and seasonal calendar. Its official site provides current participation, safety, history, and fundraising information.