Swim Across America
REGULATIONS & POLICIES
The safety of our events is our top priority. Due to the nature of open water swimming events taking place outdoors, safety concerns, including inclement weather, can necessitate a change to the original event plan.
In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Event Director and Safety Coordinator, in conjunction with SAA National, local safety entities and/or law enforcement, may delay the event, modify the course, cancel the event, or move venue location.
If safety concerns necessitate a change to the original event plan, Swim Across America will promptly notify participants via the event website, email and social media.
Swim Across America, Inc. (“SAA”) is a nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID #22-3248256). All contributions to SAA, including registration fees, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Registration fees are non-refundable and are non-transferrable. If an event is canceled for safety reasons or force majeure, all proceeds will still be granted to the local beneficiary in support of cutting edge cancer research and clinical trials.
Snorkels may be used with approval from the National Safety Director or local safety director.
Swim Across America-provided safe swimming buoys are recommended, however, are not considered life saving devices.
Participants are not permitted to use fins, paddles, buoys, and/or kickboards at Swim Across America open water events. Equipment may be used with approval from the event director, local safety director or National Safety Director.
Participants are not permitted to use Mp3 players, headphones, or any device that could impede hearing while swimming or on the course at any time.
Face coverings are accessories and are not designed or intended to prevent or mitigate disease or health condition(s). Follow the latest advice of the CDC or your own healthcare professionals as to how best to keep yourself safe.
Below 67° F ------ Required*
67.1° F - 78° F ------ Recommended
78.1° F - 83.9° F ------ Permitted
84° F and above ------ Not Permitted*
Swim skins are permitted.
*Exceptions may be reviewed and approved by the National Safety Director or Local Safety Director. Local safety teams must be advised of any exceptions.
Wetsuit Tips
SAA strongly encourages swimmers to choose an open water swimming / triathlon specific wetsuit over a general water sports wetsuit.
How do I choose a wetsuit that’s suitable for swimming?
Open water swimming / triathlon wetsuits are specifically designed for swimming. General water sports wetsuits are mainly designed for warmth and protection from elements that are associated with specific activities in the open water environment such as surfing and scuba diving.
Open water swimming / triathlon wetsuits are single-backed neoprene, offering a flexible, smooth exterior surface, resulting in decreased water resistance and drag. Variances in the thickness of the suit's neoprene can benefit a swimmer's range of motion and buoyancy.
General water sports (ie. Scuba) wetsuits are "double backed neoprene," designed mainly for warmth and protection from environmental factors, in addition to equipment, such as a scuba tank. Typically, these types of wetsuits offer less flexibility, range of motion, and buoyancy, resulting in a less efficient option for swimming vs. open water swimming / triathlon wetsuits.
How do I choose a wetsuit that fits properly?
A wetsuit that is too tight may cause anxiety, difficulty breathing, or restricted movement. While it is expected to have a small layer of water in between the wetsuit material and body with a suit that fits correctly, a wetsuit that is too big or loose may take on excess water, resulting in the difficulty of carrying that with you throughout the duration of the swim.
Tips you should know
- • Practice swimming in open water wearing your wetsuit before event day. (Remember to always swim with a buddy!)
- • Apply a product like BodyGlide to areas that are prone to chafing, such as the neck line and under the armpits.
- • How to put on a wetsuit from our partner, Orca: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts1xs0OaUSc
Swim Across America reserves the right to remove or move a swimmer’s position along the course via approved safety methods and as personnel deems appropriate, or make other operational changes, as needed. All swimmers must follow the direction of both National and local Swim Across America personnel. Noncompliance that endangers the participant or others may make the participant ineligible to participate in future Swim Across America events.
If you continue to need assistance, please contact your event manager listed on the Contact Us page or our National Office by email. We'd be happy to help you out today!
