Scores of plucky swimmers plunged into 2026 early Thursday by stripping to their bathing suits in the near-freezing temperatures at DeLeon Springs State Park and jumping into the steamy water.
“You’ve got to start off the New Year by being a little crazy and being a little adventurous,” Alissa Lapinsky said, as she wrapped a large towel around herself after climbing out of the water. “I loved it.”
She then hugged her 2-year-old son, Anderson, who watched his mom take the New Year’s Day dip at sunrise with a seemingly puzzled look. The little boy was wearing a cap, thick jacket and mittens.
The annual event began in 2023 when a park ranger invited visitors to celebrate the new year by jumping into the spring-fed waters at sunrise as a way to kick start the mind and body.
Fewer than 50 people took the plunge that inaugural day, according to Susan Pinder, president of the park’s Citizen Support Organization, which helped organize DeLeon Dunk 2026 along with the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park.
On Thursday, more than 250 people opted to take the splash just after 7:30 a.m. The original start time of 7 a.m. was delayed because of a long line of cars waiting to get into the facility for the event.
“It has just exploded since then,” Pinder said. “People find it very exhilarating.”
Indeed. The outdoor temperature when the first round of swimmers took their leaps was about 35 degrees. But the spring-fed waters are at a constant 72 degrees year round.
There were swimmers of all ages and sizes. Some wore long-sleeved shirts and others donned just bikinis or small swimsuits.
As the first round of swimmers climbed out of the springs to make way for the second round, Pinder with her microphone asked the crowd: “How does it feel? Does it feel warm?”
There was a resounding “Yes!” from the swimmers.
“It felt awesome,” Jenny Enslin, of DeLand, said. “It’s very refreshing.”
An avid runner, Enslin, 48, also has swam regularly at the state park since 1977. But this year she decided to start a new year by doing something a little different.
“2025 was tough for a lot of people,” she said as she dried herself off. “So this is a way to mark a new beginning.”
Meanwhile, family members, friends, supporters and onlookers stood nearby to watch the swimmers. Some huddled around around small fires set up by park rangers to provide heat.
“No way, that is not for me,” said Tabitha Powell with a laugh as she watched her best friend jump into the water. “I am not a cold-weather person at all.”
For their brave efforts, registered swimmers were provided with beach towels and a free day at DeLeon Springs and treated to pancakes, donuts and hot coffee at the nearby Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, courtesy of the organization and the park.
“I’m glad I did it. Now I’m awake and ready to start the year,” said a 36-year-old woman who identified herself as Jessica.
