1992

With the success of Swim Across the Sound, the name of the organization was changed to Swim Across America in 1992 and incorporated as a 501(c)3 public charity. Communities such as Larchmont, Nantucket, New York City, Boston and Chicago began creating swims throughout the 90's as SAA story and mission was shared nationally. Learn about the genesis of each of those swims below.

NANTUCKET (1992-94)

Swim Across America - Nantucket debuted on August 8, 1992 with 32 swimmers participating in a 26-mile relay swim from Jetties Beach on Nantucket to Craigvllle Beach on Cape Cod. Olympians included Jill Sterkel, Geoff Gaberino, Craig Beardsley and Janel Jorgenson and the goal was to raise $100,000 for Dana-Farber and Memorial Sloan Kettering. The event went on hiatus until it was revived in 2012 for Swim Across America's 25th anniversary and continues to raise money every year at Jetties Beach.

''We're planting the seed by moving it here ... we want to make it more regional, get New England more involved ... We'll do well this year; but better yet in '93.'' - Mary Kennedy McCullagh

LONG ISLAND SOUND (1992)

The Long Island Sound Swim started in Larchmont, New York in 1992 at the Larchmont Yacht Club with a 4-mile swim. It was, and still is, dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Kathy Webers, who along with family and friends courageously battled cancer for over a year. The first year had 17 swimmers and raised $15,000. Today, the event raises over $1 million dollars annually with over 750 swimmers participating in pool swims and the signature Larchmont open water swim.

''The great thing about the swim is you feel like you’re doing something to fight back against this awful disease.'' - Tony Sibio

CHICAGO (1994)

Swim Across America - Chicago debuted in 1994 as a 6-mile relay swim in beautiful Lake Michigan and raised $15,000. The event continues to grow and inspire the Chicago community at Ohio Street Beach every summer.

BOSTON (1996)

Swim Across America - Boston debuted in 1996 as a 22-mile relay swim from Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston out past numerous Boston Harbor Islands and return to Rowes Wharf about 22 miles and 9 hours later. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute established the Swim Across America Training Grants Fund for the Perini Quality of Life Clinic. SAA-Boston was also supported by a Nantasket swim from 1999-2015.

''I met a great group of people who have become family to me and I was doing something that had a purpose and making a difference.'' - Kitty Tetreault