Held on New Year’s Day, the 30th annual Penguin Swim, a fundraiser hosted by Atlantic General Hospital, proved to be a huge success.

   Attracting more than 900 participants and raising about $110,000, all proceeds from the swim go toward bettering our community’s healthcare and providing for our local hospital and its residents.

   Participants ranged all ages, from nine months to 83 years old, and hailed from places as far away as California. Some wore bathing suits, and some teams came dressed in matching costumes to conquer the freezing waters of the 91st Street beach.

   The Bull on the Beach crew held a parade on the beach to introduce the teams and individual swimmers.

   The winners of the race vary by category, and receive prizes based on their ranking.

   Winners (in order of award) for the 2024 Penguin Swim are:

Youth and Family Teams

Team Believe: $3,325

Owrey’s Owls: $1,590

Ice Ice Kirby: $1,500

Community Teams

OC Ravens Roost: $9,842.99

License to Chill: $2,325

Atlantic Club Beach Warriors: $1,350

Business Teams

Bull on the Beach:$25,828

Charles Brown Glass:$510

The Dispatch:$190

Adult Individuals

James King:$1,275

Matthew Lynch:$700

Ed Fratantuono: $250

Youth Individuals

Leila Attia: $1,007

Delaney Whittington: $105

Dezzy Wegrzyn: $100

Special Recognition Prizes

Oldest Penguin, Neyla Kuvshiniva, 83 years old

Youngest Penguin, Lauren Beasley, 9 months old

Traveled the Farthest: Ashley Humphreys, Boulder Creek, California

Best Youth Costume: Madison Pecover, “Cow”

Best Adult Costume: Butch Lorditch, “Mad Hatter”

Best Couples Costume: Christy and Randy, “Ken and Barbie”

Best Group Costume: Isaiah and Malani: “Maui and Moana”

Blingiest Costume: Frosty Friends

To participate in next year’s Penguin Swim, visit AGHPenguinSwim.org. <