The frigid waters of Coney Island once again served a greater purpose this year, as funds raised from the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge are now being distributed to local organizations that help sustain and enrich the neighborhood.
Organized by Alliance for Coney Island, the beloved winter tradition drew thousands of participants and spectators who gathered along the shoreline to welcome 2026 with a brisk dip into the Atlantic Ocean. While the spectacle is known for its festive energy and daring swimmers, its deeper impact lies in the community support it generates each year.
Proceeds from the plunge will benefit a range of cultural, educational, and civic institutions that play a vital role in preserving Coney Island’s identity. Among the recipients are the New York Aquarium, Coney Island USA, Coney Island Library, Coney Island History Project, CIBBOWS, and Parachute Literary Arts.
“The Polar Bear Plunge is a beloved Coney Island tradition, but what makes it truly meaningful is the generosity behind it,” said Cindy Vourderis of the Alliance for Coney Island. “We’re grateful to the thousands of participants and supporters whose donations allow us to give back to the organizations that help preserve and strengthen our community.”
The event is held in partnership with the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the nation’s oldest winter bathing organization. For more than a century, the club has welcomed brave swimmers into the ocean each New Year’s Day, turning a daring act into a symbol of resilience and celebration.
This year’s plunge continued that legacy, even as participants faced cold and dreary weather conditions. Despite the chill, enthusiasm remained high, with swimmers embracing the tradition and its purpose.
“We’re proud to wrap up another incredible New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge by giving back to the neighborhood organizations that help keep Coney Island strong,” said Jarred Lustgarten, president of the Polar Bear Club. “Every swimmer who went into the ocean earned their place with us.”
Beyond the spectacle, the Polar Bear Plunge underscores the power of community-driven events to create lasting impact. By channeling the excitement of a long-standing New York City tradition into tangible support, the event continues to strengthen the institutions that make Coney Island a vibrant and enduring cultural destination.