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ABOUT

Welcome to the Swim Across America – St. Louis Open Water Swim! Established in 2016, SAA – St. Louis has raised nearly $700,000 for our beneficiary: Siteman Cancer Center. Thank you for your support of cancer care in St. Louis.

Each year we are proud to host over 500 swimmers and volunteers, spectators and supporters, as well as Gold Medal Olympians and special guests at our charity event. We are so excited to have you join us for our 6th annual swim on August 28th at our spectacular setting on Alpine Lake!

Whether you are a veteran swimmer, you’re looking to do your first open water swim, or if you want to participate virtually to help the cause, 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 Requirement:

All swimmers are required to raise at least $300 by event day. Swimmers under 18 are required to raise $150 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 colleagues 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 everyone involved with Swim Across America. Teams must have a minimum of 3 swimmers and each swimmer is still required to meet the individual fundraising minimum of $300 ($100 if under 18).

Distance Options:

• 0.5 Mile
• 1 Mile
• 2 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 29th with a registration fee of $50
• Register between May 30th and July 31st with a registration fee of $75
• Register between August 1st 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.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here.

What to Bring

In addition to bringing any donations you have collected, please remember to bring the following items: directions to Innsbrook Resort, a towel, sunscreen, a baseball hat or equivalent to shade your face, sweatshirt, sweatpants, 2 pairs of goggles, disposable camera (optional). Don’t forget a labeled bag that zips to put everything in!

Wetsuit Policy:

Water temperature can vary. Please read our full wetsuit policy on our Policies Page.

2021 Return to Events Updates:

For three decades, Swim Across America has been committed to providing a safe environment for our charity activities. COVID-19 brings a new dimension as we create our safety protocols. Each of our charity swims will abide by local, state and national guidelines. COVID-19 will likely have some impact on our ability to offer the day of experience you’ve come to expect.

All participants and volunteers will be asked to follow safety procedures and policies. Participants are responsible for adequately preparing for their registered charity event. We ask that all participants review the information packet provided in advance and attend the day-of safety briefing if you are participating in our live experience.

We appreciate your understanding as we commit to creating the best possible environment for our participants, volunteers and community. Our Return to Events Updates can be found here. Please check this page for any changes.

SAA Safety & Policies:

Swim Across America makes participant safety the most important component of all our events. All swimmers will be asked to follow specific safety procedures and policies to participate, as well as comply with SAA safety personnel, including local and government entities, Lifeguards, and water safety volunteers. Participants are responsible for adequately preparing for their registered event. We ask that all participants review the information packet provided in advance of event day, as well as attend the day-of safety briefing for important safety information.

As we had last year, there will be a number of “Angel Swimmers” available at the event to accompany less experienced swimmers on their swim.

If you have questions about our policies regarding inclement weather, swim equipment or wetsuits, please consult our Policies page.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here.

Schedule:

Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

6:30-7:30 am: Swimmer Registration Opens

7:00-7:45 am: Team photos at arch (first come, first served)

7:35 am: Angel Swimmer orientation & pairing up with swimmers (at Wavemaker tent)

7:45 am: Group Photo (everybody!) in front of stage

7:50 am: Swimmer Safety Talk & Welcome. Please be prompt!

8:00 am: Greetings / Olympian introductions

8:10 am: Check presentation to Siteman Cancer Center

8:15 am: Award presentations

8:20 am: “Why I Swim” testimonials / River Rock ceremony

8:30 am: National Anthem

8:35 am: 2 Mile Swim Starts

8:45 am: 1 Mile Swim Starts

9:00 am: 0.5 Mile Swim Starts