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Dewey dives into 2026

Annual event is largest yet
A group sprints toward the ocean for the 13th annual Dewey Dunk held New Year’s Day. ELLEN MCINTYRE PHOTOS
Ellen McIntyre
January 5, 2026

As the countdown hit one, a group of about 200 people stripped down to their bathing suits – and the occasional winter hat – and sprinted into the Atlantic Ocean, braving temperatures in the 30s and a wind chill of 18 degrees for the 13th annual Dewey Dunk.

The event, hosted by the Dewey Business Partnership, started at 11:30 a.m., Jan. 1, at the Dagsworthy Avenue beach, with the plunge taking place at noon.

It was the largest one yet, beating last year’s record of about 120 dunkers.

Participants and bystanders huddled around a bonfire for warmth and enjoyed free hot chocolate. There were also bloody marys, mimosas and Dewey Dunk merchandise for sale.

Volunteers from the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, including a dive team, and other local first responders ensured participant safety.

The event raised $3,400 for the DBP, which is dedicated to enhancing the Dewey Beach way of life by facilitating year-round family-friendly events.

 

The Usefara family is ready for the Dewey Dunk in their matching fuzzy onesies. Shown are (l-r) Ava, Karen, Mark and Olivia.
A wave crashes as Dewey Dunk participants brace for the cold.
Darrell Helms, left, poses as his daughter, Remy, takes a picture of him running into the ocean.
Dewey Dunk participants brace for the cold.
Volunteers from the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and other first responders helped to keep everyone safe. Shown are (l-r) Jeff Polshak, Marty Schertzer, David Hantman, Alex Wenhold, Javier Oquendo, Todd Warwick, Alejandro Oquendo, Wyatt Simpler, William “Tucker” Dempsey, Dylan Peck and Paige Fitzgerald.
Ava Usefara does some gymnastics on the beach before the dunk.
A group sprints toward the ocean.
Darrell Helms runs out of the water.
Peter Wintermute, left, and his son, Carson, try to get dry and warm up after the Dewey Dunk.
Dewey Business Partnership volunteers serve up bloody marys and mimosas. Shown are (l-r) Rich Godbout, David Cohen, Kelsey Murphy and Erik Sweterlitsch.

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Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.

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