Overview
- Coney Island’s 123rd plunge drew more than 6,000 registrants in 27-degree air, continuing the Polar Bear Club’s large charitable event.
- Many swims doubled as fundraisers, including Toronto’s dip for Boost, Pittsburgh’s benefit for the Salvation Army, and the L Street Brownies’ support for South Boston causes.
- Snow squalls in Boston, steady rain in San Francisco, and unusually warm 63-degree water in La Jolla showed how weather set turnout and experience.
- Safety measures were prominent, with Milwaukee Fire Department divers establishing a rescue line at Bradford Beach and officials reporting no serious injuries there.
- In Montreal’s Verdun borough, a Dec. 16 winter beach closure notice prompted a Polar Bear Club petition seeking a negotiated, safety-focused access arrangement.