The Penguin Swim is an Ocean City staple. It’s practically synonymous with New Year’s Day, and with hundreds of brave souls plunging into the freezing ocean, it’s certainly a memorable event. The 21st Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim is set for Thursday, January 1st, 2015 and will take place once again at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street and the Ocean. The Penguin Swim is a fun, all-ages event aimed at supporting our local hospital.
Schedule:
New Year’s Eve at The Princess Royale
2PM-4PM: Pre-registration and Advance Check-in
(Prizes can be picked up early!)
New Year’s Day at The Princess Royale
11:30AM: Registration and Check-in
12:45PM: The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach
1PM: The swim!
1:15PM-2PM: Awards Ceremony
Currently, 20 teams are signed up and there are a little more than 100 individuals participating in the dunk. “We’re going to have someone there doing an ice sculpture and the trick pony from Holly Ridge Farm is making an appearance again,” said Heather Trader, Development Assistant. “It’s just a great way to start the New Year off right! To hear people talk about their experience is just awesome.”
Tons of awards and prizes are given to those who really “dive head first” into the event. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies awarded to those who raise the MOST money in divisions for individual penguins and penguin teams. There will be special recognition to the oldest and youngest penguins and a best costume contest. In addition, there will be incentive prizes awarded to all penguins based on individual fundraising efforts. Examples: $25- pint glass or mitten scarf; $50- baseball hat; $75- long sleeve t-shirt or retro duffel bag; $150- sweatshirt or outback hat or robe; $250- surfboard-shaped towel; $500- 1 prize from each level.
If you can’t make it in person to the swim, don’t worry, you can still participate in the virtual swim! You can register online and then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo on Facebook/Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #OCPenguinSwim. Your virtual swim photos will be shared at the event and you will still be eligible for incentive prizes for your fundraising efforts.
“Each year hundreds of penguins raise funds to help our not-for-profit hospital provide the excellent quality care that our community depends on for their family and friends,” said Trader. “Your fundraising efforts support Atlantic General’s mission to create a coordinated care delivery system that will provide access to personalized service, and education to improve individual and community health.” Right now, those registered have raised $27,234 but there is still a lot more to go… with the goal being $71,500! So if you’re looking for something to do New Year’s Day, sign up and get ready to freeze your tushy off for a GREAT cause!
