This year’s annual ‘polar dive’ at Coney Island lost some of its lightness when a man had to be dragged out of the icy waters.
The man entered the water, apparently alone, but collapsed after a few minutes in the Atlantic, authorities said.
Unidentified man seen in the Atlantic before it collapsed. Stephen YangThe man is said to have swam alone in the water during the annual ‘polar dive’ at Coney Island.
Rescuers immediately performed CPR after the unconscious man was removed from the ocean. Stephen yang
Rescuers removed the man and began CPR, before paramedics arrived.
The man remained unconscious despite the mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions.
The FDNY said a cardiac arrest was reported at 11:30 a.m. at Stillwell Ave. and Surf Ave.
Paramedics perform chest compressions on the unconscious man after rushing to the scene. Stephen yang
FDNY members transported the unconscious man to an ambulance and then took him to Coney Island hospital Stephen Yang
The patient was taken to Coney Island hospital. No additional information was available.
The annual dive – hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, which bills itself as “the oldest winter swimming organization in the United States” – is a free charity event. Participants are required to sign waivers.
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