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ABOUT

Welcome to the Swim Across America – Houston Open Water Swim! Established in 2019, SAA – Houston has raised over $240,000 to our beneficiary: MD Anderson Cancer Center. Thank you for your support of cancer care in Houston.

Each year we are proud to host over 250 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 3rd annual swim at Alexander Deussen Park!

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 $400 by event day. Swimmers under 18 are required to raise $200 by event day.

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 colleges, high schools, and college alumni will form teams, or teams may be formed in honor or memory of a loved one. All teams are inspirational and rewarding for all of us involved with Swim Across America.

Distance Options:

• 0.5 Mile
• 1 Mile
• 5K

**Swim course cut-off time for the 5K is 2 hours 30 minutes.

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 July 16 with a registration fee of $50
• Register between July 17 and September 20 with a registration fee of $75
• Register between September 21 and event day with a registration fee of $100

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

Age Requirements:

Participants ages 12 and under who would like to sign up for the 1 mile or 5K swims are required to obtain a letter from their personal accredited coach (USA Swimming, ASCA, etc) verifying the swimmer is capable of swimming the chosen distance in open water.

Waivers:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found HERE. Please bring it with you to the event and provide at check in.

Swim Caps:

Every swimmer must wear the SAA colored cap given to them at the registration for their designated event. You may not switch caps for a different color, for safety purposes.

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.

Angel Swimmers:

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 support during your swim. If you would like to be an angel swimmer, or would like to have one assigned to you, please contact Jenna.

Swimmer Packet:

The 2021 Swimmer Packet will be released soon – for reference see the 2019 HOUSTON SWIMMER PACKET

Schedule:

Schedule is subject to change.

6:45 am: Registration Opens!

7:40 am: Welcome Program

8:25 am: 5K Swimmer Safety Meeting and Group Photograph at Start

8:30 am: 5K Swim Start

8:35 am: 1 Mile Swimmer Safety Meeting and Group Photograph at Start

8:40 am: 1 Mile Swim Start

8:45 am: ½ Mile Swimmer Safety Meeting and Group Photograph at Start

8:50 am: ½ Mile Swim Start

Ceremony to follow. Bring the whole family!