by Viktoriya Syrov
Last Sunday, the desolate beach of Coney Island came back to life with the waves and splashes of the Polar Bears.
Over 40 men and women dove in the water in the second organized swim of the season. Participants of all ages and statures took a dip in the 51 degree water. Some jumped up and down from the cold, while others played catch with beach balls and frisbees while chanting their club name in spirit.
“People find it invigorating, they say they feel alive,” said Gordon Gattsek, paramedic and secretary of the Polar Bear Club USA Inc.. Although the risky winter-time activity has no proven health benefits, many people feel it may help with their arthritis and inflammation problems, said Gattsek.
Lifeguards and paramedics were standing by on the shore with emergency supplies ready, along with an audience of supporters and curious bystanders. The club takes the safety of its members seriously.
“We’ve never had any problems with hyperthermia or anything like that,” said Gattsek. “Nine years ago, the water temperature was 24 degrees, it would average from 21 to 24 degrees. Now it doesn’t get below 47.”
Although it was a clear and sunny day, the wind was strong and those exiting the water faced a sharp breeze fighting their way to shore.
To become part of the Polar Bear Club, a participant must enroll as a cub and complete 12 swims before he or she is voted in. People stay in for as long as they can handle it, most stay in the water for about ten minutes according to Gattsek. “We don’t want no heroes.”
Kaisa, a young Bear Cub, said she didn’t know why she did it, but that this was her third swim. Most do not practice for this event, “You just go right in,” said Kaisa.
Kim, another novice, climbed out of the water shivering. “Can I borrow your jacket?” she asked. “Do you want to feel my hands?”
Others exited the water saying that “It was great!” and encouraging the spectators to try it. After they dried off, the bears headed to Coney Island USA for brunch.
The Polar Bears swim every week from November to April but their most popular event is the New Year’s Day swim. Usually 2,000 to 5,000 swimmers come out to start the year, said Gattsek. Many of whom are first time swimmers. During the annual swim, the club raises donations for Camp Sunshine, a charitable organization for terminally ill children. Last year they raised approximately $30,000 through donations and entrance fees, said Gattsek.