32nd Annual Penguin Swim dips Ocean City into the new year!

WMDT’s Haley Rae & Heidi Kristine taking a splash

OCEAN CITY, Md. — It’s the start of a new year, but old traditions hold strong in Ocean City. Atlantic General Health kicked off the 32nd annual Penguin Swim with a plunge into the cold Atlantic.

Gary Miller, with the Raven Roost, said, “This is our 17th year doing this. Over that time, we’ve raised more than $190,000 for the hospital.”

Around noon on New Year’s Day, penguins from all over the Eastern Shore gathered on the Ocean City beaches to dive into 2026. The group braved the 41-degree water.

“It’s just a lot of fun, and it’s for a great cause. A lot of people say, ‘I can’t jump in the ocean,’ but all you gotta do is go out and get your feet wet,” Miller said.

Mike Schlegel, a veteran of the event, celebrated his 20th Penguin Swim.

“If you think about it, you’re going to freeze. Keep your head clear, and just do it. I came in today dressed like this, but it’s a T-shirt kind of day. We also live up in Pennsylvania, so it’s a lot colder up there than it is here,” Schlegel said.

There were also newcomers, like Logan and Lyla’s aunt.

“I’ve never done it before, and I wanted to try something new,” Logan said.

Lyla Graves added, “I hope she puts her face in the water.”

Officials at Atlantic General Health and TidalHealth said they had an exceptional turnout for this year’s swim, which helps raise crucial funds for the hospital.

Caitlin Evans, co-chair of the Atlantic General Health Penguin Swim, said, “We’ve hit the 700 mark for people registering to jump in the ocean this morning — all for a great cause to support our community hospital.”

The hospital’s goal was to raise $120,000 — and they exceeded it, bringing in $131,453.