Some New Yorkers started the New Year on a cold note Friday by taking a brave plunge into the ocean.

More than 2,000 people raced into the frigid waters off the beach in Coney Island for the 10th annual Polar Dip.

The arctic swim is all part of a fundraising effort by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club to send at least 28 families to Camp Sunshine in Maine.

The camp serves as a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Those who took the plunge talked about what it's like jumping in the cold waters.

"It hits you hard. It's just like ice that's just running through your veins.

It's just a total rush of adrenaline, it's like pins and needles all over your body," said one frigid participant.

"I love it, I come here every year. For the next 25 years, I'll be 55, 65 years old still doing this," said another swimmer.

If you weren't able to make it down to the beach but still want to donate visit polarbearclub.org.