In a display of bravery and a celebration of the new year, thousands of swimmers flocked to Coney Island on Monday to take part in the 121st annual polar bear plunge. The event, hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club since 1903, saw a mix of participants donning Speedos and winter coats as they prepared to take a dip in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Despite the frigid conditions, this year's plunge was met with unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-40s. Organizers had anticipated "record-breaking numbers," and it was evident that their expectations were met, with one gate agent acknowledging that the attendance was "definitely more" than the 4,000 registered participants.

People had various strategies for psyching themselves up for the chilly submersion. Robert, a 49-year-old participant, arrived in shorts with no coat, stating, "Why wait for the ocean when I can embrace the cold air now?" Shannon Douglas, a born and bred Brooklynite, expressed her excitement for finally being able to check off the polar bear plunge from her bucket list. She exclaimed, "Every year I tell myself I'm going to do it and never get to. This year I wasn't missing out. Knocking things off my bucket list one day at a time beginning with this!"

By 10 a.m., the line to check-in for the plunge stretched for blocks down Stillwell Ave. and around the corner. Despite the massive lines, which deterred some from participating, the enthusiasm remained high. Hermen, a New Jersey native who made the trek to Coney Island, decided to sit out this year's plunge due to the long line. He compared the scene to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, saying, "The line is too long, man. It's like Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest out here."

For those who endured the lines, however, the plunge proved to be worth the wait. The unseasonably mild weather and water temperatures made the experience more enjoyable. Derrick, a 49-year-old New York native participating for the first time, expressed his inspiration, saying, "If you're doing it for the first time, this was the year to do it because it wasn't even that cold. I was inspired because all my friends do it every year and post it on social media, and they're from tropical countries, so, like, what's my excuse?"

Rebecca, who used to accompany her father to the polar plunge at Coney Island when she was a child, continued the tradition with her own children, ages 10 and 7. She described their dip as "easy peasy" and expressed her gratitude for being able to pass down the tradition to the next generation. "I'm just glad I can keep up the tradition with my own kids this year," she said. Rebecca also noted that the water felt much warmer than in previous years, despite the air temperature.

As the brave swimmers emerged from the water, they were greeted with smiles and cheers from the crowd. They quickly made their way back to shore to towel off and retrieve their jackets and robes. To commemorate their achievement, each participant received a certificate of completion that proudly declared, "I did it." One man, gasping for breath but exhilarated, exclaimed, "Wasn't that bad!" as he ran out of the water.

The 121st annual polar bear plunge at Coney Island was a testament to the spirit of adventure and resilience. Despite the long lines and the initial shock of the icy waters, participants embraced the experience with enthusiasm and left with a sense of accomplishment. As the tradition continues to thrive, it remains a cherished event for both locals and visitors alike.