Air temperature: 38 degrees. Water temperature: 30 degrees. Perfect! Everybody in the river!
And shortly before 1 p.m., that's exactly what nearly 200 people did at the Grassy Point Seawall in Stony Point during the 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge Sunday afternoon.
The Stony Point Seals formed about 13 years ago out of a group of residents who gathered each Superbowl Sunday and played a game of football followed by a spirited jump into the frigid Hudson River. Their wives thought them silly until the men turned their annual lark into a fund-raising event for community members. The event has grown every year since.
This year, 5-year-old Brandon Hernandez of Haverstraw was the beneficiary of the fund-raising. Brandon, who suffers from a heart defect, was on hand for the event.
The Theills Fire Department had dive team members in the water as was the Stony Point Fire Department boat. A Sheriff's Department helicopter hovered overhead.
Following the "National Anthem," the participants followed an American-flag-waving man into the river. Some immediately took off back to the shore while others frolicked and splashed until numbness set in. A good time was had by all including the hundreds of spectators who lines the beach and sea wall cheering on those who participated.
Were you among them? add your photos here!
