January 1, 2026 — Hundreds of participants and spectators gathered along the Margate shoreline for the annual Margate Polar Bear Plunge, marking the start of the new year with a long-standing winter tradition. Hosted with support from the Margate City Fire Department, the event saw brave swimmers take a chilly dip into the Atlantic Ocean as onlookers lined the beach to cheer them on. The plunge once again served as a celebration of community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors alike for a festive and energetic start to 2026 under clear winter skies.