Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - No matter how many times you've taken the plunge, it's hard not to get caught up in all of the fun.

More than 2000 swimmers took part in the Annual New Year's Day Coney Island Polar Bear Swim.
It was a mad dash into 40 something degree water. Some people in wore bikinis, others were in costume.  It is all done for a good cause. The money raised will help send kids with life-threatening illnesses to Camp Sunshine in Maine.

Kim and her husband Pete, known at this particular event as Medusa and the Jolly Green Giant, woke up extra early to get ready.

“We donate. Everyone has fun. I'm 62, not bad!” Pete said.

For some, 2016 is a fresh start with new hopes and aspirations. 

Others are just thankful the weather is warmer than last year. 

“We mentally prepared ourselves. We took showers with cold water” one participant told us.

Whatever the reason ... Call them crazy for a good cause.

Last year, money raised from the plunge sent 28 families to Camp Sunshine. This year, they're hoping to raise even move. With 364 days until the next one it'll give these guys enough time to warm up!