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ABOUT

Welcome to the Swim Across America – Baltimore Open Water Swim! Established in 2009, SAA – Baltimore has raised over $4.2 million to support our beneficiary: the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. Thank you for your support of cancer care in Baltimore.

Each year we are proud to host over 450 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Olympians near and far at our charity swim. We are so excited to have you join us for our 12th annual swim on September 19th at High Tide Farm!

Whether you are a veteran swimmer or you’re looking to do your first open water swim, we welcome you to help us “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”

Swim Across America is dedicated to providing a safe return to events in 2021.

General Fundraising Requirements:

All swimmers are required to raise at least $500 by event day ($250 if under 18 or current college student.

WaveMaker Status: $1,000 minimum:

WaveMakers go above and beyond the call of duty by raising at least $1,000 regardless of your age. Anyone can achieve WaveMaker status – swimmers, volunteers or SAA My Way participants. WaveMakers get special recognition and an exclusive WM gift on event day. You can learn more about WaveMaker Status here.

Swim as an Individual, or on a Team:

A person may elect to swim alone, or be part of a team. Many colleagues and college alumni will form teams, or teams may be formed in honor or memory of a loved one. All teams are required to commit to raise at least $5,000. All team members are still required to meet the individual fundraising minimum of their individual swim.

Distance Options:

• 0.5 Mile
• 1.0 Mile

Registration Self-Donation:

Swimmers will be asked to kickstart your fundraising and let your supporters know you are personally committed to the mission of SAA. The registration self-donation is a 100% tax deductible donation that will be will be credited towards each swimmer’s fundraising minimum. The minimum self-donation amount will change as follows:

• Register before June 19th with a registration fee of $50
• Register between June 20th and August 20th with a registration fee of $75
• Register between August 21st and event day with a registration fee of $100
• Register at the event by bringing or paying the full fundraising minimum of your distance

Online registration will close 48 hours prior to the swim! Event day registration may still be available if space permits.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here. Please bring it with you to the event.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are optional, but strongly encouraged. Water temperatures range from 65-75 degrees in September. Last year the water was a perfect 73 degrees and felt warm. Please read our full wetsuit policy and tips on our Policies Page.

Wetsuit Rentals and Purchases:

Online Rental: WetsuitRental.com is offering $15 off with code SAA15 on adult and youth wetsuit rentals. You can find more info here.

Online Purchase: Orca is offering a 15% discount on all Orca wetsuits with code SAAPARTICIPANT15.

Age Requirement

For swimmers between the ages of 12 and 14, swimmer must be approved by the SAA Baltimore Safety Committee and have a minimum of one of the following:

• Parent or legal guardian who agrees to swim alongside swimmer for the entire duration of the swim.
• An accompanying Swim Angel, registered, approved, and assigned to the swimmer by the SAA Baltimore Safety Committee, who will swim alongside swimmer for the entire duration of the swim. Swim Angels must be requested in advance and placement is not guaranteed. Positive check in and coordination of the swimmer and Swim Angel prior to the start of the event must be confirmed by the Event Director.

For approval of swimmers under the age of 12, please contact Kelly Dees.

Swim Angels

For those people who are nervous about swimming in the open water, we have “swim angels” who are willing to swim alongside you for encouragement. These people are experienced open water swimmers who are more than happy to encourage you, keep an eye on you and ease any anxiety you may have.

Additionally, those wishing to sign up as swim angels can sign up as a part of Team Angel. If you would like to sign up and fundraise with a different team, but are interested in being a swim angel, please reach out to Annie directly.

Schedule

Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

6:00 – 7:15 am: Registration/Check in – There will be no event day changes to swim distance.

7:30 am: Swimmer Safety Talk and Group Photograph – It is mandatory that all swimmers wear a timing chip that will be issued at the time of registration. The timing chip must be on your ankle before entering the pen area.

8:10 am: All 1 mile swimmers must be in the start pen

8:30 am: 1 Mile Start

8:40 am: 0.5 Mile Swimmers must be in the start pen. Swimmers will be moved to waters edge for start.

9:45 am: Post Event Party with activities & light breakfast for participants. Prizes will be awarded for the best Team Cheer!

10:15 am: Awards Ceremony