In Brooklyn's heat wave, Dan Hale, known as Dan the Water Man, stands out on Coney Island's boardwalk, selling frozen water bottles to beachgoers. Despite the challenges of extreme heat, he arrives daily by 8 a.m. and walks the boardwalk, thriving on human interaction. Hale has battled depression and bipolar disorder; selling water has revitalized his spirit and helped him reconnect with the community, turning his work into a source of joy rather than a burden. The love and friendships he finds among the crowd make his efforts fulfilling and meaningful.
"Ice water! Frozen water! $2" he shouts, drawing sunbaked beachgoers his way.
"It's good to see all these people as happy as they are," he says with a smile.
"Now I'll stay out even if the water is gone, because I enjoy the people."
"They're still frozen and I've been out here since 8 a.m.," he says, proudly holding up a bottle.
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