The 28th annual Penguin Swim in Ocean City, Maryland
The 28th annual Penguin Swim will take place on New Year’s Day at 1pm! Hundreds of people will “plunge” into the ocean off 91st Street to benefit Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. The goal is to raise $80,000 for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.
“It is a great family event that pulls the community together and raises awareness for the hospital,” AGH Event Coordinator, Joy Stokes said. “The Penguin Swim is not your typical Ocean City event, and everyone comes out to celebrate the new year with the ones they love.”
Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel
Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel will be the epicenter for a day full of festivities. If bragging rights for jumping into a 40-something-degree ocean, notwithstanding the air temperature, are not enough to make you want to get out of bed, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in all the happenings within the hotel’s Atrium. There will be a breakfast buffet in Schooners before the plunge and the Atrium bar will be open after…
Number of Penguins?
Using numbers from prior years as an indication for this year’s participation, Stokes says they could expect over 600 participants, “We had 653 penguins[swimmers] last year (2018). It was a very nice weather day. The temperature was 64°.” If the weather is not so nice numbers may drop. “In 2018, the temperature was 23°, and we had 420 penguins, but you don’t need to take swim to fundraise and participate. Not all our penguins swim and some only stick a toe in.”
How to participate?
Pre-register New Year’s Eve at Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel (2:00-4:00 pm – Pre-Registration and Advance Check-in
Avoid long lines at the event! Wristbands, Prizes, and Shirts can be picked up early!)
Register New Year’s Day at Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel (10:00 am – Registration and Check-in BEGINS
12:30 pm – Registration and Check-in ENDS)
Not swimming but still want to donate? Click here.
Awards
The top three earning teams from each category, which includes individuals and adults, businesses, community groups and under 18, will be awarded trophies and prizes. There will be a best costume contest and special recognition will be given to the oldest and youngest penguins.
Event organizers encourage participants of the costume contest to go to the mainstage and let them know if they are an individual or a group costume participant. To participate in the costume contest individuals and groups must be photographed.(Groups need to photographed together.)
Safety First
Ocean City Beach Patrol will be on hand to make sure everyone is safe and not in the water too long.
Don’t miss this occasion even if you just come to watch, it is a fantastic way to bring in the New Year!
