Maryland Swim for Life Course

 

Details on the course are available here on the event registration website. The course will consits of a single loop for 2.5k swimmers and two loops for 5k swimmers. 

Water: Water temperature on swim mornings is usually in the 70s or lower-80s.  Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is less than 78 degrees (but most swimmers do not wear one as the water is very comfortable); other flotation devices (e.g., pull buoys, paddles, fins) are not allowed. For safety against heat stroke, USMS regulations prohibit wetsuits when water temperatures exceed 78 degrees.

Water quality is monitored by the Potomac Riverkeepers Network on a weekly basis in the summertime. Advisories are issued when bacteria (Enterococci) counts exceed thresholds for a Tier 3 Advisory. 

Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are known for jellyfish (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) encounters in the summertime. Occasionally, these sea nettles, as they are often called, can exist in the tidal river near the event in rare circumstances. The chances of encountering sea nettles are dependent on water temperature, salinity, and recent rainfalls. 

Swim for Life is an “at-your-own-risk” event - information on advisories will be communicated as available and each swimmer will make the individual choice to swim on race day.

Safety: Safety support at the swim will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and their Auxiliary, and the Potomac Riverkeepers Network, and other local volunteer boaters and kayakers.

Safety Boats: For your safety, USCG and NRP patrol boats will be situated along the course. Paddlers in kayaks will be stationed at all turn buoys and along the outside length of the course.  Kayakers will keep swimmers on course, provide swimmers food and drink, act as a buffer between swimmers and boat traffic, and be available for any water assistance. A local rescue boat with medic/dive personnel will also be on hand.