A Cold, Wet Start To 2015: Photos From Coney Island’s Polar Bear Plunge

The ball may drop at midnight, but it’s not the New Year until hundreds more shrivel in icy water.

At least that’s the feeling held by members of Coney Island’s Polar Bear Club, which took to the frigid winter waters of the Atlantic Ocean yesterday afternoon for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

About 2,500 people charged into the 38 degree water just after 1pm at Coney Island, according to organizers, many recoiling moments after the ocean’s waves lapped at their bare flesh.

The event raised more than$350,000 for Camp Sunshine this year, which serves children with life-threatening illnesses.

Local photographers Albin Lohr-Jones and Brian Hoo were among the thousands who took the plunge, and sent in the accompanying photos. You can see more of Lohr-Jones’ photos from the event on Flickr.