While many are enjoying the warm weather today, one group in Coney Island is enjoying the cold water. Our Bree Driscoll explains.
11-year-old Olivia Bradley of Marine Park is your ordinary sixth grader.
"I do a lot of clubs at my school," she said. "Debate club, drama club, math."
But on weekends her life becomes extraordinary as she willingly dives in ocean water below 40 degrees. She became the youngest member of the Coney Island Polar Bears in 114 years when she joined at age 9 last year.
"It feels like pins and needles now but in the water I just felt numb," she said.
Saturday Bradley joined more than 80 likeminded swimmers from around the world to participate in the second annual New York National Winter Swimming Championships.
Organizers say several foreign countries and at least seven states are represented- including 20 people from the city.
Races range from 25 to 200 meters in a variety of styles, plus relays.
While some think the group is crazy, swimmers say it is a way of life.
"It is just a healthy lifestyle," said Mariia Yrjo Koskinen, President of the International Winter Swimming Association. "They keep their mind and body in good shape. Cold water is healing."
With the water at a brisk 35 degrees, the healing was in full swing. The air temperature however was unseasonably warm which received mixed reviews from the swimmers.
"Thank god the sun is out," said swimmer Ranie Pearce. "It is fabulous. The air temperature makes it all very possible. When it is cold and raining it is 10 times worse."
"You get out of the water you feel energized, reborn," said Josh Kalin. "It hits the reset button on your body. You feel amazing the rest of the day."
This event, which was held on the Hudson last year, doubled in size this year. Organizers hope to continue the tradition in 2018.