Shake off 2023, dive into 2024 at Ocean City, Chincoteague New Year's swims: All to know

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·4 min read

Ring in the New Year with an ice-cold dip in the Atlantic Ocean during this year's upcoming Eastern Shore New Year's Day swims.

The Delmarva Peninsula is home to a handful of New Year's Day swims, two of which are set to take place in Ocean City, Maryland, and Chincoteague, Virginia. Here's everything you need to know about this year's swims.

What's the water temperature in December?

Participants take to the 45-degree water at the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020.
Participants take to the 45-degree water at the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020.

Water temperature in Ocean City typically ranges from 39 to 55 degrees in December. As of Dec. 5, 2023, the water temperature in Ocean City is 50 degrees. In general, this water temperature is unacceptable for swimming, but individuals may be in such water for 5-10 minutes, according to SeaTemperature.net.

So, be sure to pack a towel and a change of clothes as you take the plunge this New Year's Day.

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Ocean City, Md.

Atlantic General Hospital’s 30th annual Penguin Swim

A large group of participants marched to the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim from Bull on the Beach restaurant and bar in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020. It was a very special day for a couple from the group.
A large group of participants marched to the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim from Bull on the Beach restaurant and bar in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020. It was a very special day for a couple from the group.

Get ready to dunk your penguin tail in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean during Atlantic General Hospital’s 30th annual Penguin Swim. The swim, set for Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, will take place on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City, Maryland.

All participants are required to register either online or in person, as well as check in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband that allows access to the swim area. Participants can register online now by visiting www.aghpenguinswim.org.

The registration fee is $30 per participant if registering on or before Dec. 30. The registration fee is $35 per participant if registering on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. Costumes are highly encouraged.

Participants are invited to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale from 2-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to avoid long lines on event day, and pick up wristbands and shirts early. Participants will also receive an additional Penguin Swim item during advance check-in.

Event day registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m., ending promptly at 11:30 a.m., with the main event at 12 p.m. on the beach. The time in between will be chock full of fun activities the whole family will enjoy: costume contests, face painting, mermaids and more.

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The Bull on the Beach team emerges from the ocean after the 2014 Penguin Swim. The restaurant’s team has raised more than $350,000 for Atlantic General Hospital over the years.
The Bull on the Beach team emerges from the ocean after the 2014 Penguin Swim. The restaurant’s team has raised more than $350,000 for Atlantic General Hospital over the years.

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The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach at 11:45 a.m. from 94th Street to the swim area in front of the Princess Royale. Spectators are welcome.

The awards ceremony will take place in the atrium immediately following the swim. Special recognition awards will be given to "Oldest and Youngest Penguins", and the "Penguin who traveled the furthest."

Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for: Adults (19 & Over); Youth (18 & Under); Teams/Businesses; Community Groups/Organizations; and Youth/Family.

Those unable to attend in person can still participate in the Cyber Swim/ Register online, then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video of your personal Penguin Swim on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Make sure the post is set to public.

Chincoteague, Va.

Polar Pony Plunge

Barry and his daughter Ashley Parker went all out for the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim as character from Moana in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020.
Barry and his daughter Ashley Parker went all out for the 26th Annual Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim as character from Moana in Ocean City, Maryland, on Jan. 1, 2020.

Get ready to dive into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean during Chincoteague's annual Polar Pony Plunge. Participants are encouraged to dress up in the zaniest, craziest costume they can come up with, and must plan to be at Assateague Beach for the Polar Pony Plunge at 1:24 pm on Jan. 1, 2024.

Those who decide to take the plunge must read and sign the Plunge Waiver and Release Form. Only those with waivers are allowed into the water. There is no fee to enter the water.

Walk up registrations will be accepted on the day of the event, however online pre-registration is recommended. Participants who pre-register may go right to the beach on Jan. 1. Parking is limited, so carpooling is also encouraged.

Registered participants will be directed to physically distanced markers on the beach. Spectators will be on the side of the markers where they will remain throughout the entirety of the event.

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ring in 2024 with two New Year's Day swims in Ocean City, Chincoteague