Penguin Plunge in Del Mar kicks off 2026 year

The Annual Penguin Plunge welcomed in the new year on Jan. 1 at 17th Street beach in Del Mar, in front of the lifeguard tower location and Poseidon restaurant, which helps provide support for the event. Lifeguards organized the first plunge 40 years ago in 1986. (The event has been held annually since 1986 except for the 2021 and 2022 years due to Covid.) In addition to the popular ocean plunge the event included certificates, coffee, hot chocolate, and doughnuts.