Fugghedabout Hawaii, hardy Brooklynites donned their swimsuits and embrrrrraced Year 2009 by frolicking in the frigid waves off Coney Island — with smiles as wide as the sun.
Marine marvels from the Coney Island Polar Bears took the annual daredevil dip into the Atlantic, chilling alongside Mother Nature, as part of a New Year’s Day celebration along the boardwalk, off Stillwell Avenue, which featured a crowd-wowing performance by world-famous strongman Steve Estance, off Stillwell Avenue.
The Polar Bears’ marine marvels are known for their amazing feats of endurance and skill in the world remote and formidable corners; among them, parachute dives, firewalks and other challenges the Arctic and Antarctic circles, the North and South poles, and Alaska.
The bold bunch, including several seniors, strutted their stuff on the shoreline before making the big splash, proving that — for thrill-seekers, at least — Old Father Time can indeed be put on hold.
The spectacle also helped raise money for Camp Sunshine, which provides retreats for children with life-threatening diseases and their families.