Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge

Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge Race Information

<p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Celebrating our 123rd year, the <strong>Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge</strong> welcomes thousands of BRRave souls from NY and all around the globe to check off one of the &#34;coolest&#34; events on their bucket list! A great way for everyone to get involved in supporting our local non-profit organizations, every dollar donated helps make a difference!</span></p> <h3 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><b>HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY</b></span></h3> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">Coney Island, located at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, is a proud and resilient community home to more than 50,000 residents. Yet, with nearly one in three families living below the poverty line, continued support is vital to help our neighborhood thrive. Each year, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club’s New Year’s Day Plunge raises essential funds for local nonprofits that strengthen our community. The Polar Bear Club carefully selects recipient organizations whose work includes offering free public programming, educational opportunities for local youth, workforce development initiatives that connect residents to jobs, and advocacy for clean water and ocean conservation through environmental education. Benefiting groups include the Alliance for Coney Island, Coney Island History Project, Coney Island Library, Coney Island USA, the New York Aquarium, and others dedicated to preserving, educating, and uplifting this beloved seaside community.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">Every dollar raised makes a splash,  right here in Coney Island!</span></p> <h3 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><b>FAQ&#39;S</b></span></h3> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><b>HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLUNGE? </b></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">There is no fee to participate; however, a minimum donation of $30 is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. <em>Please note that these generous donations are non-refundable</em></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVES FOR FUNDRAISING? </strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Yes! Participants who raise $50 or more in donations will receive a limited-edition New Year’s Day beanie, <em><strong>while supplies last, at the registration table. </strong>To view the limited-edition merchandise available on New Year’s Day at the merchandise stand, <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/ConeyIslandPolarBearPlunge/Page/merchandise" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">click here</a>. </em></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>HOW DO I REGISTER? </strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>You will need your phone to register online or in person</strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Before the Event:</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Click the “Register” button in the top header to sign up online in advance. You MUST click on &#34;complete registration&#34; at the end in order to be registered. You will then receive an email with the QR code that you must present at the event check-in table.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">At the Event:</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before arriving at the check-in tables.</strong></span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><span style="font-size:12pt">If you need to register on-site, you will need</span> to scan a QR Code with your phone to register digitally.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Registration Closes: 1:00 PM sharp</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO PLUNGE?</strong> </span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">There is no minimum age requirement to participate in the plunge. Young children are welcome to join, but anyone under 18 must register and have a completed waiver signed with a parent or guardian present during the check-in.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE</span></strong></p> <p style="line-height:1.3">Get ready to join thousands of excited plungers and spectators for one of New York City’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions! All participants, whether pre-registered or signing up on-site, must check in on<strong> Stillwell Avenue</strong> at the Luna Park Scream Zone entrance.</p> <p>At check-in, you’ll:</p> <ul><li>Receive your wristband (required to participate)</li><li>Pick up your “I DID IT” certificate (<em>while supplies last</em>)</li><li>Claim your incentive beanie if you reached the fundraising minimum of $50 (<em>while supplies last</em>)</li></ul> <p>Then, head to the beach and kick off the New Year with a splash! Don’t forget to visit our merchandise tables for exclusive Polar Bear Plunge gear</p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>CHECK-IN: </strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Check-in is located on Stillwell Avenue in the Luna Park Scream Zone Lot. When you arrive at check-in, please have your confirmation email with QR Code ready to be scanned. EVERYONE MUST CHECK IN and receive a wristband. Failure to check in and plunging without a wristband can result in a fine.</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE PLUNGE?</strong> </span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">You can wear whatever you want to the Plunge! A bathing suit or even a costume, we&#39;ve seen it all! Ring in this memorable new year experience as creatively and safely as you’d like. After the plunge, be sure to bring a towel to dry off, some old shoes, and warm clothes!</span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>LOCKERS &amp; PERSONAL BELONGINGS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Lockers will be available for rent inside of Luna Park in Coney Island on a first-come, first-served basis near the check-in/registration area. Availability is limited. <em><strong>Please note that the event organizers are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or unattended belongings, including items placed in or around the locker area. All rented lockers must be emptied and belongings removed no later than 2:00 PM.</strong></em></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>WHERE CAN I CHANGE?</strong> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">NYC Parks Department provides unmonitored changing facilities on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. NYPD enforcement will be on the boardwalk, but please note that neither the event committee, NYPD, nor the City of New York Parks Department is responsible for any personal belongings left unattended during the event. <em>Leaving any items unattended is at your own risk.</em></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>&#34;I DID IT&#34; CERTIFICATES:</strong> </span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">All registered participants will receive an “I Did It” certificate at registration check-in <strong>only, <em>while supplies last</em></strong>. Celebrate your accomplishment and share your achievement with a fun keepsake to remember the day. You earned it!</span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL CONEY ISLAND POLAR BEAR CLUB MERCHANDISE? </strong></span></p> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">This year’s limited-edition Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day t-shirts and beanies will be available for purchase for $50 near the registration area.</span></p> <h4 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><b>DIRECTIONS</b></span><b></b></span></h4> <p style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><i>We strongly encourage the use of mass transit to the plunge</i></span></p> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><b>Via Subway </b></span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">D,N,F or Q to the Stillwell Ave. Station</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><b>Via Brooklyn Buses</b></span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">B36 | Coney Island / Avenue U</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">B64 | Coney Island / Bay Ridge</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">B68 | Brighton Beach / Windsor Terrace</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">B74 | Sea Gate / Coney Island</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">B82 | Coney Island / Spring Creek</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><b>Via Manhattan Express Buses</b></span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">X28 | Bensonhurst / Midtown</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><b>Driving</b></span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">If driving, please use <a style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )" href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//1500&#43;Riegelmann&#43;Boardwalk,&#43;Brooklyn,&#43;NY&#43;11224/&#64;40.5745712,-73.984399,17z/data=!4m18!1m8!3m7!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2s1500&#43;Riegelmann&#43;Boardwalk,&#43;Brooklyn,&#43;NY&#43;11224!3b1!8m2!3d40.5729114!4d-73.98075!16s%2Fg%2F11v19t33yw!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c244348d4559eb:0xecf7befdaa989cb1!2m2!1d-73.98075!2d40.5729114!3e3?entry=ttu" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Google Maps</a> for directions. There is limited street parking on Stillwell Avenue, West 15th, and West 10th Streets. Parking is also available at the Maimonides Park Parking Lot at 1904 Surf Avenue.</span></h6> <h4 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><strong>SCHEDULE</strong></span></h4> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">10:00 AM   On-site check-in opens</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">11:00 AM   Plunge shoot opens</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">1:00 PM    Registration Closes</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">1:30 PM    Last opportunity for registrants to plunge!</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 );font-size:12pt">2:00 PM    Plunge Ends</span></h6> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"> </h6> <p style="line-height:1.3"> </p> <h6 style="line-height:1.3"> </h6>