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Welcome to the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah Open Water Swim! Established in 2018, SAA – Charleston-Kiawah has raised over $140,000 for our beneficiary: Hollings Cancer Center. Thank you for your support of cancer care in Charleston-Kiawah.

Each year we are proud to host over 150 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 4th annual swim on August 15th at Night Heron 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.

All participating swimmers receive an event shirt, a swim cap and a towel as part of the day’s festivities.

Participate and Fundraise as an Individual, or on a Team

A person may elect to participate alone or be part of a fundraising team. Grab your colleagues, high school, college alums or neighborhood friends and form a team. Many of our teams swim in honor or memory of a loved one. Teams are inspirational and rewarding for all of us involved with Swim Across America and there is no limit to how many team members you can have on it. All team members are still responsible to meet the fundraising minimum.

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.

Age Requirement:

Kiawah Island lifeguards and beach patrol are require an age requirement of 14 and up for both 0.5-mile and 1.5 mile options. For ages 14-17 – you’ll need a coach’s or other’s recommendation on ability. If you have any questions – please contact Brad Johnson.

Distance Options:

• 0.5 Mile
• 1.5 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 May 15th with a registration fee of $50
• Register between May 16th and July 17th with a registration fee of $75
• Register between July 18th 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.

Schedule is tentative and subject to chance.

6:30: Registration Opens

7:15: Pre-Event Mindfulness/Meditation Session

7:30: Registration Closes

7:30: Olympian Pictures & Music

7:45: Speeches and Ceremony at Pavilion, Why I Swim

8:00: Safety Talk

8:10: 1.5 Milers Catch Shuttle

8:30: 1.5 Mile Start

8:45: 0.5 Mile Swimmers walk to start

9:00: 0.5 Mile Start

9:30-10:00: Swim Concludes

10:00: Enjoy Post-Swim Festivities with Friends & Family

DETAILS FOR 2021 COMING SOON!

Join Swim Across America for a fun pool swim with contests, relays and instruction from Olympians and the Swim Across America team. All participants will receive a swim cap, tattoo and opportunities to get SAA swag – bring friends and family!

EVENT DETAILS:
This pool party is open to everyone and we encourage families to attend.
– The event will be at Night Heron Park on Kiawah Island. Find the SAA tent to sign in.
– The event is free for everyone to participate.
– Mention Swim Across America at the gate if you’re coming from off-island to attend.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

4:15p – Sign in for the pool party, get caps and tattoos

4:30p – Olympian Intro to Swim Across America

4:40p – Group into ‘divisions’ to start off with a streamline distance contest

5:00p – 5:20p Games and relays

5:30p – Get pictures and sign caps with Olympian and enjoy some frozen treats!

Any questions can be sent here.

OLYMPIANS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2021 KIAWAH EVENT

JENNY THOMPSON

One of the most decorated Olympians in history: twelve medals, including eight gold medals, in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics.

STEVE GREGG

Silver medalist for Team USA in the 200-butterfly at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. NCAA champion in 1976 at North Carolina State University.

PAST OLYMPIAN PARTICIPANTS

HANNAH ASPDEN

CARLTON BRUNER

STEVE GREGG

KRISTY KOWAL

STEVE LUNDQUIST

JENNY THOMPSON

ASHLEY WHITNEY