Brooklyn's Polar Bear Plunge Canceled Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn's popular Polar Bear Plunge has been canceled amid concern over the coronavirus crisis, organizers announced.

"With the ongoing concerns regarding mass gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel what would have been the 117th annual New Year's Day plunge," the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, who run the event, said on their website.

The event typically brings thousands of swimmers to Coney Island's beach to take a dip in the freezing Atlantic Ocean to raise money for charity.

It is among several New York City traditions that will look different this year as the coronavirus crisis enters its second wave.

Like many of those events, the Polar Bear Plunge will instead head online. Organizers said they will open a platform with the Alliance for Coney Island to continue the annual fundraiser.

"While supporters may not be able to plunge into the mighty Atlantic this year, we can show our commitment by purchasing 2021 Coney Island Polar Bear memorabilia designed by illustrator Paula Cohen and making a donation to help ensure the growth and livelihood of this iconic destination and neighborhood," the organization wrote.