Long Island polar bear plunge rewind: 2014
A pair of polar plungers retreat back to the beach after charging into Corey Creek in Blue Point on Sunday, April 6, 2014 for the third annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge, which is sponsored by the Blue Point-Bayport Lion's Club.
Man and man's best friend plunge into Corey Creek in Blue Point on April 6, 2014, to help the Blue Point-Bayport Lion's Club support the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown.
Some participants in the third annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge in Blue Point venture out several feet from the shore into deeper waters of Corey Creek on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
From left, Blue Point-Bayport Leo Club members Garrett Busch, Daniel Campanelli, Hannah Giannico, Kathleen Cibuls, Matthew Cibuls, James Brine and Eric Chiappetta volunteer at the annual April Fool's polar plunge in Blue Point on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Buoy, a Border Collie from Patchogue, sits on the shore of Corey Beach in Blue Point after romping around in the roughly 40-degree water during the third annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
With the water and air temperature both in the 40s, participants in the third annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge in Blue Point enjoyed a dip in Corey Beach to benefit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Nearly 100 people take a dip into 40-degree water in Blue Point's Corey Creek to raise money for the Smithtown-based Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind at the annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Clutching her Olaf the snowman stuffed animal, Makayla DeMeo, 6, of Selden, and her siblings, Antonioa DeMeo, 12, and Billy DeMeo, 9, and their cousins from Centereach, Alex Pervelis, 6, and James Pervelis, 3, get ready for the polar plunge at Corey Creek in Blue Point on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Holbrook's Erin Becker, 18, and Amanda Franco, 12, participated in their first polar plunge, the April Fools Polar Lion Plunge, at Corey Beach in Blue Point on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
The Cancellieri family -- Kim, 36, Scott, 5, Michael, 36, and Michael, 7, -- of Bayport, stay warm while waiting to plunge into Corey Creek in Blue Point for the third annual April Fools Polar Lion Plunge on Sunday, April 6, 2014. .
The mascot for the Blue Point-Bayport Lions Club hangs out at Corey Beach in Blue Point for the club's third annual April Fool's Polar Lion Plunge on Sunday, April 6, 2014.
Nearly 400 people plunged into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
Nearly 400 people plunged into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
From left, Natalie Rich, 14, of Bethpage, Danielle Guarasci, 14, of Plainview, and Nicole Ferraro, 13, of Bethpage, shiver after plunging into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
Participants in the Town of Oyster Bay's inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Plunge react as they charge into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa on March 29, 2014.
Nearly 400 people plunged into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
Nearly 400 people plunged into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
Nearly 400 people plunged into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
A group from LIU Post gets ready to take part in the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge at Tobay Beach in Massapequa on Saturday, March 29, 2014.
A group of Marine Corps applicants did pushups and pullups prior to plunging into the 37-degree water at Tobay Beach in Massapequa for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Nearly $25,000 was raised for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York.
Pete Zimbalist, 15, of Syosset, did nine pullups before joining his Syosset High School track teammates for the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge at Tobay Beach in Massapequa on Saturday, March 29, 2014.
Brian Schiralli, 27, of North Bellmore, will finish out his polar plunge season at the inaugural "Freezin' for a Reason" Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge at Tobay Beach in Massapequa on Saturday, March 29, 2014.
Participants hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Participants hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Participants hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Participants prepare to hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Safety personnel were on hand for participants who hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Participants hit the water for a polar plunge held at The Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold on March 1, 2014 to benefit Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach.
Carol Walsh, 76, of Saint James, chose fitting garb for the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 2, 2014.
Participants braved unusually cold temperatures for AHRC Suffolk's annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
Participants head toward the water at the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 2, 2014.
Most swimmers ran from the water almost as soon as they entered during the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 2, 2014.
This UCPN Polar Bear Plunge participant is all smiles after tackling the water at Teddy Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 2, 2014.
Most participants rushed out of the water as quickly as they rushed in during the annual UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014.
Frank Ozol, co-chairman of the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay, donned his Sunday best for the event on March 2, 2014.
Students from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut raised money for the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County Inc. From left, they are Arielle Dhaim, 18, of Massapequa; Anna Restino, 18, of Hoosick Falls, N.Y.; Alyssa Jacavone, 18, of Scituate, R.I.; Jenna Siessel, 18, of Morristown, N.J.; and Ana Fakiris, 18, of Glen Cove.
Sarah Feingold, 37, North Amityville, was the last participant to exit the water at the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014, battling the cold waters for more than 12 minutes.
Frank Ozol, left, and Jack Sullivan, chairmen of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, wear tuxedos for the group's 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on Sunday, March 2, 2014.
Nina McCann of Williston Park celebrated after participating in the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014 by clowning around with the event's mascot.
While many participants at the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014 exited the icy waters as soon as they got in, a few die-hards stayed to toss a ball around.
Participants at the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014 prepare to enter the icy waters, which organizers said was 33 degrees.
Fourth-month-old Bruno didn't make it into the water at the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014. But just watching it made him cold, said his humans, Rich Pompa of Connecticut and Nicole Van Leer of Seaford.
Christopher McElwaine, 29, of Freeport took best costume honors with his penguin-inspired garb before the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014.
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
March 2, 2014 - Theodore Roosevelt Park, Oyster Bay
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014 for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge, to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County.
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
Participants in the 15th annual Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash retreat to the beach shortly after running into the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
A crowd runs into frigid waters at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay for the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, March 2, 2014 to help raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County
A participant in the UCPN Polar Bear Plunge at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay on March 2, 2014 finally heads out of the water after toughing it out longer than most.
Participants run in and retreat quickly from chilly Long Island Sound water during the Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The annual event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Chilly temperatures and even chillier waters kept Long Island Polar Dip participants moving Saturday, March 1, 2014. The annual event at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Participants braced against the chill as they lined up for the Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014. The event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Participants start running into the chilly waters of the Long Island Sound off Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014 for the Long Island Polar Dip. The annual event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Participants rocked a variety of fashions during the Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014. The annual event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Safety personnel stood guard in the water for the Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The annual event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Under the theme of Freezin' for a Reason, a crowd of brave people jump into 30-degree water during the 10th Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge Saturday, March 1, 2014 to benefit the Special Olympics.
Under the theme of Freezin' for a Reason, a crowd of brave people jump into 30-degree water during the 10th Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge Saturday, March 1, 2014 to benefit the Special Olympics.
Under the theme of Freezin' for a Reason, a crowd of brave people jump into 30-degree water during the 10th Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge Saturday, March 1, 2014 to benefit the Special Olympics.
Under the theme of Freezin' for a Reason, a crowd of brave people jump into 30-degree water during the 10th Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge Saturday, March 1, 2014 to benefit the Special Olympics.
Under the theme of Freezin' for a Reason, a crowd of brave people jump into 30-degree water during the 10th Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge Saturday, March 1, 2014 to benefit the Special Olympics.
Hundreds of people run into Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to raise money for the Special Olympics at the 10th annual North Hempstead polar plunge.
Within seconds of running into the 30-degree waters of Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, the polar plungers quickly retreat to the beach.
With the water and air temperature in the low 30s, participants in the North Hempstead Polar Plunge quickly retreated to the beach on Saturday, March 1, 2014 after a quick dip in Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington.
Participants in North Hempstead's annual polar plunge take a quick dip in the 30-degree water of Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
Hundreds of people braved freezing conditions in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to raise money for the Special Olympics at the 10th annual Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge.
"Captain America" outlasted most of the other participants at the 10th annual North Hempstead polar plunge in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
Port Washington residents Charlotte Lathrop, 17, left, and Michaela Asaro, 16, try to warm up after charging into Hempstead Harbor for the annual polar plunge in their hometown on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
From left, Alicia Sauerland, 22 of West Islip; Shelley Seidenberg, 61, of Massapequa; and Victoria Shaw, 22, of West Islip, hang out at the AHRC Suffolk Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
From left, Adrianne Pitch, 16, of Fort Salonga and Hannah Andreassi, 16, of Southampton hang out at the AHRC Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
Polar bear Shelley Seidenberg, 61, of Massapequa, and Jim Bodor, 48, Holbrook, greet participants at the Bay Shore AHRC Suffolk Polar Bear Plunge on March 1, 2014.
Safety personnel made sure the AHRC Suffolk Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014 went smoothly.
AHRC Suffolk hosted its annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
Kevin Fowler, 57, of Lindenhurst, center, participated in the annual Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014 for his nephew, Joe, 15, left, who is battling cancer. The event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Also pictured is Sarah Feminella.
Charlene and Bob Eckhoff, both 49, of East Williston, with son Tyler before the annual Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014. The event raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The Eckhoffs volunteer at the camp.
March 1, 2014 - Port Washington
Hundreds of people run into Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to raise money for the Special Olympics at the 10th annual North Hempstead polar plunge.
Participants in the 10th annual North Hempstead Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge hit the water at North Hempstead Beach in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to raise money for the Special Olympics.
A participant in the 10th annual North Hempstead Polar Plunge reacts to the frigid conditions after diving head first into Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
Participants in the 10th annual North Hempstead Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge dash into Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to support the Special Olympics.
Hundreds of people brave the frigid waters and 30-degree temperatures to raise money for the Special Olympics on Saturday, March 1, 2014, by participating in the North Hempstead polar plunge in Port Washington.
Participants in the 10th annual North Hempstead polar plunge in Port Washington retreat from the 30-degree waters of Hempstead Harbor on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
Hundreds of people take a quick dip in Hempstead Harbor on Saturday, March 1, 2014, for the 10th annual North Hempstead Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge in Port Washington benefiting the Special Olympics.
A participant in the North Hempstead Freezin' for Reason Polar Plunge dives into Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014, to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Quite a Marvel in Port Washington
Captain America outlasted most of the other participants at the 10th annual North Hempstead polar plunge in Port Washington on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
The annual Long Island Polar Dip at Crab Meadow Beach in Huntington on March 1, 2014, raises funds for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This is Mike Sojak's group. Mike, with his arms curled up in front, is a nine-year cancer survivor.
AHRC Suffolk hosted its annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
AHRC Suffolk hosted its annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
AHRC Suffolk hosted its annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
Vikings and raccoons plunge in Port Washington
Leslie Anderson, 47, left, and Emma McGrattan, 46, both of East Patchogue, get ready to represent Team Iceholes at Hempstead Harbor in Port Washington on March 1, 2014, for the Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New York.
Fittingly, a polar bear made his way to AHRC Suffolk's annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
Volunteers sell T-shirts at AHRC Suffolk's annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina in Bay Shore on March 1, 2014.
From left, East Islip's Jenna Bela, Olivia Hoppe and Isabel O'Neil, all 13 years old, warm up near a heater as they wait for the Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics New York, to begin on March 1, 2014.
Participants in the 15th annual Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 make their way to the water's edge.
Participants, young and old, brave chilly conditions to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York at the annual Super Bowl polar plunge in Long Beach on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
Feb. 2, 2014 - Long Beach
Two participants share a warm embrace after running into the Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach, for the annual Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.
People charge into the Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, for the 15th annual Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash.
A lifeguard patrols the beach as a man and his dog run into the water in Long Beach for the annual Super Bowl polar plunge on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
Feb. 2, 2014 - Long Beach
From left, Jordyn Sgro, 6, and Jagger Sgro, 5, both of Island Park, and Emma Priest, 6, and Dylan Priest, 3, both Ozone Park, hang out on a jetty in Long Beach after the Super Bowl polar plunge.
Adults and kids splash around in the water in Long Beach on Sunday, Feb, 2, 2014, for the annual Super Bowl polar plunge to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.
Friends dive into 30-degree water in Long Beach on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, for the annual Long Beach Polar Bears plunge.
Long Beach's Tracy Krauss, 40, sporting a polar bear costume, participated in her fourth consecutive Long Beach polar plunge on Feb. 2, 2014.
At the Long Beach Polar Bears Super Bowl Splash, a group of friends from Island Park and West Hempstead get ready to plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
Having a ball at the Super Bowl Splash
Douglas Miller, 38, of North Bellmore, tosses pigskin with a friend to kill time before the start of the annual Super Bowl Splash in Long Beach on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Miller came dressed as a football.
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
Children are all bundled up during the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Drive at Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue. The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters of Long Beach is Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
The St. James Polar Bear Club took to the icy waters off Long Beach Town Park in Nissequogue for the 2014 St. James Polar Bear Dive. The annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Jan. 19, 2014)
A participant in the annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park reacts to the cold water as he retreats to the beach. (Jan. 1, 2014)
"Polar bears" run into the 35-degree water of Northport Bay on New Year's Day. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Two women participating in the New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park celebrate conquering the frigid water with a high five. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Dozens of people ring in 2014 at Steer's Beach in Northport by taking a chilly dip in Northport Bay. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Reacting to the chilly water, participants in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Northport retreat back to the beach. (Jan. 1, 2014)
"Polar bears" dash toward the Long Island Sound at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park for a polar plunge benefiting the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
A New Year's Day polar plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park was held in support of the Commack-based Kerry Rose Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness of fire safety on college campuses. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Matthew Joyce, 18, of Northport, took the plunge during the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim at Steer's Beach in Northport. (Jan. 1, 2014)
A "polar bear" makes his way back to shore after plunging into the Long Island Sound in Kings Park on New Year's Day. (Jan. 1, 2014)
This year's New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim at Steer's Beach in Northport raised funds for the Northport Food Pantry. (Jan. 1, 2014)
These "polar bears" warm up by a fire pit as they prepare to plunge into the waters at Steer's Beach in Northport. (Jan. 1, 2014)
The rules didn't apply at Sunken Meadow State Park for the annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge, benefiting the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Participants of the 2014 New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park take a quick dip in 35-degree water to support the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Jan. 1, 2014 - Sunken Meadow State Park
Participants of the 2014 New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park splash around in the Long Island Sound.
Jose Hernandez, 42, of Commack, and his son, Jayden, 4, warm up after participating in a polar plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park on New Year's Day. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Chilly conditions didn't stop "polar bears" from running into the Long Island Sound in Kings Park on New Year's Day to raise funds for the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Less than a minute after dozens of people plunged into the Long Island Sound in Kings Park, the event's organizer, Pete Porcaro, 53, of Smithtown, was the only one remaining in the water. (Jan. 1, 2014)
More than 70 people plunged into the Long Island Sound at Sunken Meadow State Park on New Year's Day to support the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
The cold water prompts a participant in the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim to quickly retreat to the shore after plunging into Northport Bay. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Shona Gawronski runs out of the water as, from left, Marc Wolf, Wayne Duncan, Antoine Waldo do leg lifts during the Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Phoenix House Academy in Wainscott. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Swimmers during the annual Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Phoenix House Academy in Wainscott. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Swimmers exit the water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Phoenix House Academy in Wainscott. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Sporting a Viking hat, Carly Fitzsimons, 20, of Commack, runs into the Long Island Sound for a polar plunge benefiting a foundation formed in honor of her late sister, Kerry Rose Fitzsimons. (Jan. 1, 2014)
For the 12th straight year, Pete Porcaro, 53, of Smithtown, went swimming in the Long Island Sound at Sunken Meadow State Park, and outlasted dozens of other "polar bears." (Jan. 1, 2014)
Participants of the 2014 New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park take a quick dip in the Long Island Sound to support the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Wearing a polar bear hat, Greg Deutsch, 24, of Commack, shows his support for his good friend, the late Kerry Rose Fitzsimons of Commack, by participating in a polar plunge benefiting the foundation that honors her. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Commack's Carly Fitzsimons, 20, sporting a Viking helmet, participates in a New Year's Day polar plunge at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park to benefit her deceased sister's charity, the Kerry Rose Foundation. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Young "polar bears" run back to the shore at Steers Beach in Northport after jumping into 35-degree water for the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim. (Jan. 1, 2014)
A chivalrous "polar bear" carries a young woman to shore after the twosome plunged into Northport Bay with dozens of others on New Year's Day. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Jan. 1, 2014 - Steers Beach, Northport
A young participant in the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Northport retreats after plunging into the frigid waters at Steers Beach.
After running into the 35-degree water at Steers Beach in Northport, participants in the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim quickly retreat to shore. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Northport residents start shedding their outerwear as they prepare to jump into Northport Bay for the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Participants in the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Northport run into the frigid waters at Steers Beach to raise money for the Northport Food Pantry. (Jan. 1, 2013)
With the water temperature reportedly about 35 degrees, dozens of people jumped into Northport Bay on New Year's Day for the fifth annual Polar Bear Swim. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Dozens of people take a quick dip in Northport Bay on New Year's Day to raise money for the Northport Food Pantry. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Young and old plunge into Northport Bay on New Year's Day to raise money for the Northport Food Pantry. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Participants in the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim in Northport brave the chilly weather to support the Northport Food Pantry. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Wearing insulated suits, Northport firefighters take their places in the water at Steers Beach in Northport, ready to rescue any distressed "polar bears." (Jan. 1, 2014)
The Murphys of East Islip, the Gaffneys of Massapequa Park and the Ponzios of Bay Shore started off 2014 by jumping into Northport Bay for the fifth annual Polar Bear Swim. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Sporting colorful bathing caps, a group of Northport friends sprint into Northport Bay for the fifth annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim to benefit a local food pantry. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Nick Darling of Maine carries Jessica Saltings of Northport from the frigid waters at Steers Beach, where Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Jan. 1, 2014 - Steers Beach, Northport
A small crowd wades in the frigid waters at Steers Beach, where Northport Boy Scouts Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge.
A small crowd made it into the frigid waters at Steers Beach, where Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Sayville resident Lora Batorsky was among those who made the courageous leap into the frigid waters at Steers Beach, where Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge. (Jan. 1, 2014)
Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge at Steer's Beach in Northport. (Jan. 1, 2014)
A small crowd made it into the frigid waters of Steers Beach, where Northport Boy Scout Troop 410 hosted a polar bear plunge. (Jan. 1, 2014)
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