Long Island woman swims in frigid ocean for over 600 days straight
- Mindi Dovberg has swum in the Atlantic Ocean daily for over a year, engaging in 609 consecutive swims as of December 2024.
- This daily ritual began after her father's passing in 2022, providing both mental clarity and pain relief for her medical condition.
- Dovberg's commitment has inspired members of her community, encouraging healthier routines and building strong connections among them.
In Long Beach, New York, Mindi Dovberg has committed to an extraordinary daily ritual of swimming in the cold Atlantic Ocean. Starting in May 2022, following her father's death, she has immersed herself in the ocean for 609 consecutive days. Dovberg, who is now 51 years old and was once a varsity swimmer, braves chilly waters, with temperatures as low as 40 degrees during her five-to-10-minute swims in the morning. She believes this routine gives her mental clarity and resets her day, enabling her to face life's challenges with renewed strength. Despite the harshness of the elements, such as torrential rain and strong winds, Dovberg remains steadfast in her commitment. She has faced various weather conditions, always prioritizing her morning swim, even waiting out lightning if necessary. The connection to the ocean has proved therapeutic for her, especially as she suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a painful disorder. When she emerges from the water, she experiences numbness that brings relief, allowing her to manage her pain better and enjoy an improved mental state. Dovberg's dedication has influenced her community, inspiring her neighbor Joshua Siegel, a chiropractor, to join her in the cold water. Following a kidney transplant, Siegel’s participation signifies how Dovberg's commitment helps motivate those around her to engage in healthy and supportive habits, fostering social connections among the local residents. Even skeptics who initially viewed her as 'crazy' have warmed to the idea, with some joining her for Sunday swims and sharing hot drinks afterward. As Dovberg celebrated her 600th swim day, she expressed excitement for the winter months when the ocean is even colder, demonstrating her unwavering passion for this extreme daily ritual and its benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Her story not only showcases her personal strength but also the power of community and the transformative effect of embracing challenges.