Despite freezing temperatures Thursday morning, swimmers from across the borough gathered at Coney Island for the New Year's Polar Plunge.

This year, 2,500 people took the plunge, most of them in costume.

Since 1903, the Coney Island Polar Beach Club has kept the tradition of the plunge alive. Thursday was the public's chance to get in on the fun free of charge, although donations were suggested.

The donations collected are going toward Camp Sunshine, an organization that helps families and children through the various stages of illness. Organizers say the Coney Island Polar Beach Club has been partnering with Camp Sunshine for a decade.