Ammon News - New Year's Day swimmers braved the frigid sea water for the annual polar bear plunges that took place in New York and Boston, as part of an annual tradition that dates back more than 100 years.

Thousands of New Yorkers attended the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge on Monday as they raced into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean as temperatures hovered in the mid-to-low 40s eager to ring in the New Year.

Some wore traditional swimwear while others went for a more festive look sporting costumes, face makeup, head masks, wigs and colorful oversized floats.

In Boston, the L Street Brownies celebrated their polar plunge in the Boston Harbor that kicked off around 10am at M Street Beach. The National Atmospheric Oceanic Administration reported that temperatures were around 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dripping from the ocean water and wrapped in a towel, one teen gave CBS News the play by play, saying it was 'very cold and shocking,' while another said, 'its a fun way to start the new year ... with a bang.'

A family sporting New Year's paraphernalia - 2024 party glasses, and top hat, called the event a 'family tradition.'

'Now that we are married we are combining it with all our families,' said the reveler, whose wife was adorned in a colorful costume and yellow rubber ducky float around her waist.

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club that was founded in 1903 says their club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States. Members swim every Sunday from November through April, according to its site.

But, the L Street Brownies claim to be the oldest 'polar bear club' in America, as per the news outlet.

Proceeds from both events go towards local charities. Last year's Coney Island Polar Plunge drew an estimated 4,000 people. It remains unclear the number of revelers who turned up at this years events.