Coney Island Polar Bears take the big plunge in 2019. Photo: Todd Maisel/Brooklyn Eagle
By By Todd Maisel
December 26, 2018
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With long range weather reports expecting temperatures below freezing, a swim at Coney Island beaches would seem foolish. But, not for the thousands of people from throughout the metropolitan area who are expected to take the chilly plunge on New Year’s Day with the famed Coney Island Polar Bear Club.
The big New Year’s Day dive will kick off at 1 p.m. on Tues., Jan 1, with wave after wave of participants racing towards the icy water.
And so, the Polar Bears tested the waters on Sun., Dec. 23, and reported “balmy” conditions for some of the long-time members who have swam in temperatures that have dipped below zero in past years. The weekend before, the club reported high waves that knocked some swimmers down if they weren’t careful.
Though this year is supposed to be warmer than usual, members have some words from the wise to the public on how to properly prepare for the shock of bitter cold waters at Coney Island Beach.
First, Jim McDonald, secretary of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, urged participants to pre-register in advance to get their wrist band so that they don’t have to wait in line.
He also warned participants to take precautions before going into the water.
“When you go into the water, do not dive into shallow water and use water shoes to protect your feet,” McDonald said. “Also, take public transportation because we are expecting grid-lock conditions in Coney Island.”
Eddie Marks, district manager of Community Board 13 and an avid member of the Coney Island Polar Bears, recommended people “come with an open mind,” and “since it is a new year, the first thing you should do is be ready for a new challenge.”
“Come with a friend to hold your clothes, otherwise you must put it on the side and pick it up later,” Marks said. “Embrace the water, you are not the only one going in, everyone around you will be going in. And if you get too cold, stay there for a minute or two and then get right back out.”
Eddie Marks prepares for his dip in a big circle with Polar Bear members.
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ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
