Many New Yorkers strolled around on the first day of 2012 wearing a coat, gloves, and a scarf. Meanwhile, more than 1,200 others were taking off their clothes before plunging into the frigid ocean. The not-so-brave looked on.
Swimmers from the Ice Breakers Winter Ocean Swimmers before their Memorial Swim. Courtesy of Ice Breakers Winter Ocean Swimmers
NEW YORK—Many New Yorkers were enjoying the uncharacteristically warm weather that marked the first day of 2012.
Meanwhile, more than 1,200 hardy souls went to the other extreme and plunged into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for the annual Polar Bear swim at Coney Island. The not-so-brave looked on.
“It’s a New York tradition, and we’ve been doing it since 1903,” said Dennis Thomas, president of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. “It’s an awesome New Year’s Day party for New Yorkers who want to attend and not be at Times Square.”
Zachary Stieber
Senior Reporter
Zachary Stieber is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times based in Maryland. He covers U.S. and world news. Contact Zachary at [email protected]
