As December flies by, we’re all sitting here wondering where 2018 went… Heading into 2019 would not be the same along the Eastern Shore without the Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim! Typically the water is around 40 degrees, so be prepared… Don’t worry, dipping your toes in the water counts as participation.

When and Where?

The swim will take place on January 1, New Year’s Day! Registration begins at 10am, and the swimmers will hit the water at 1pm, just after the Bull on the Beach team parades down the beach. Participants will gather on the beach in front of the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st St. in Ocean City, MD. Head over to advance check-in and registration at the Princess Royale in the Premier Lobby from 2:00-4:00p.m. on New Year’s Eve to be eligible for pre-registration incentive prizes.

Participation

Are you ready to dip your toes– or submerge your entire body–into the Atlantic Ocean this year? Join the Atlantic General Hospital and thousands of locals and visitors to the Delmarva area in raising money for a great cause. There is a $25 minimum donation per penguin to register and participate in the swim. All proceeds will benefit the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.

You can participate by yourself, with your whole family, or with as many friends that you can convince to plunge into the freezing cold ocean water! Register as an individual or team here.

Prizes

Along with the pure joy of running into the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean, and the satisfaction of giving to a good cause, there are incentive prizes! Prizes are based on participants personal fundraising earnings. With registration, you will get a short-sleeve penguin swim t-shirt. Level A participants (raising $50-$99) will get a plush hat, water bottle, beer mug, or backpack. Level B participants (raising $100-$249) will get a long-sleeve t-shirt or crew neck sweatshirt. Finally, level C participants (raising $250-$499) will get a cooler bag, hoodie, or beach towel. Any participant who raises over $500 will receive one prize from each level.

There will be awards individuals and teams who raise the most overall money. The award ceremony for the event will be after the swim from 1:15-2pm.

Bundle on up and get ready for the Penguin Swim! Participants can wear anything from a wet suit or bathing suit to a crazy costume to the coolest penguin suit you can find on Amazon.