Participants in the third annual Dewey Dunk planned for New Years Day will brave the chilly winter waters of the beach resort town.
For a $20 fee, they will receive a t-shirt and a wristband for discounts at area businesses after taking a swim in the frigid Atlantic Ocean water.
The event benefits the non-profit Dewey Business Partnership who tries to balance the town’s reputation by organizing positive, family-friendly events in the resort town known for the carousing lifestyle of its visitors.
Executive Director Kelly Ranieri said they're pleased to see families that bond over the event returning year after year.
"You would think that we had a lot of people who would be in costumes jumping into the water, but it's actually families and kids who are doing it as a family tradition now that they've started," Ranieri said. "Which I think is so neat."
Ranieri adds there will be a dive team in the water ensuring public safety and a bonfire will provide warmth for spectators and Dunkers both from the near freezing ocean waters and temperatures that are predicted to hover around the low to mid 40's.
Ranieri is hoping for a good turnout despite the predicted weather.
“Its going to be our coldest year so I’m not really sure who’s going to be really brave to do it," she said. "I’m anticipating maybe…I’m hoping for 100 [people], but based on the frigid temperatures tomorrow I’m not so sure.”
Registration begins at 11:00 am New Years Day at the Starboard Restaurant and the Dunk is at the beach off Dagsworthy at Noon.