Ocean Swimmers Flock to Venice Beach on New Year's Day


Most people ring in the New Year with champagne and a late night. But a group of dedicated “Penguins” choose to commemorate it with a cold dip in the ocean.

 

Cecelia Kilger, a Los Angeles transplant, began the tradition in 1952.  As a child, she swam in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan.  After getting caught in the surf off Playa del Rey, she got a tip to try the Venice Beach backwater area.

 

There, she found other swimmers, and they met up throughout the year.  One lifeguard suggested they start an informal club, and in 1960, the group became official.  Since then, the “Penguin Club” has kicked off the year with an ocean swim.  It is dedicated to Cecelia, who died at the age of 94 in 2002.

 

Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ), a Masters swim club, now runs the event. Participants can choose between courses: one for people who swim for fun, and another for those who want to compete.  Everyone will receive a certificate, but the fastest male and female swimmer in the competition course are crowned prince and princess. 

 

Longtime event organizer Mary McGurk selects the king and queen from the amateur course. The swim is dedicated to her as well.

 

This event has no entry charge, and snacks and hot drinks are provided courtesy of the Sidewalk Café.  Commemorative T-shirts are available for $10.  Sign up at Venice Beach at 11:00 am.  The Penguin Swim begins at noon.

 

We at SCAQ invite you to tune up for this event at a free Swim 101 workout, where a professional coach will look at your stroke and teach you how to train in your pool. For advanced swimmers there are intermediate and advanced options.  Find a practice near you on our website: http://www.swim.net/scaq.cfm.  RSVP at SCAQ@SWIM.net.  See you underwater!

 


Views: 294

Comment

You need to be a member of Culver City Times to add comments!

Join Culver City Times

The Culver City Times is the news and social network for Culver City.  Stay informed.  Join now!

      • Got news you think everyone should know? Blog it.

• Have a show or attending a benefit? Put it on the calendar.
• Got video of the big game? Embed it.
• Photos of your business or the school play? Upload them.

For daily updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Latest Activity

Janice Metz posted an event
Thumbnail

Culver City Rock and Mineral Club's Fiesta of Gems Show at Veterans Memorial Auditorium

June 29, 2024 at 10am to June 30, 2024 at 5pm
Friday
Mistah Wilson updated their profile
Feb 4
Mistah Wilson promoted Mistah Wilson's blog post Soul The Interrogator talks Hip Hop Histories & His New Album "Ol' Head" (Exclusive Interview)
Feb 4
SPMG Media posted a blog post
Jan 5
Lucy Pollak posted an event
Thumbnail

64th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration at The Music Center Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

December 24, 2023 from 3pm to 6pm
Dec 6, 2023
Mike Cohen posted a blog post
Oct 12, 2023
Myles Lee posted an event
Thumbnail

California Premieres! at Veterans Memorial Auditorium 4117 Overland Avenue Culver City, CA 90230

November 11, 2023 from 7:30pm to 10pm
Oct 7, 2023
Mike Cohen is now a member of Culver City Times
Oct 6, 2023

Play "Where Am I in Culver City?"

Not a member? Sign up here to leave your answer.

Good luck!

To see the answer, click here.

© 2024   Created by Culver City Times.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service