News Summary
The 19th Annual Beaufort River Swim is set for May 31, featuring a record-breaking 202 participants. This fundraising event for the Wardle Family YMCA includes a 3.2-mile swim, 1-mile swim, and a new 5K road race, fostering community spirit and promoting water safety. With events starting early and a dedicated safety team, this year’s swim promises to be memorable for both participants and spectators.
Beaufort River Swim Set to Host Record Number of Participants
The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is set to take place on Saturday morning, May 31, attracting a record-breaking 202 participants, far surpassing last year’s 171 at the same registration point. This popular event is the primary fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program, which aims to promote water safety and swimming skills within the community.
Swim and Race Details
The event will feature multiple challenges, including a 3.2-mile competitive swim, a 1-mile swim, and a new 5K road race that participants can run after completing either swim distance. For the first time, a relay option allows competitors to team up, with one person swimming while another runs the 5K, broadening the event’s appeal.
All activities will conclude at the Beaufort marina parking lot, which will serve as both the endpoint for the swim events and the staging area for the road race. Participants can take advantage of free parking available until noon, along with directional signage to guide them through the check-in process.
Schedule and Logistics
Check-in for the event will begin at 6 a.m., with the competitive swim starting at 8 a.m. and the Fun Swim kicking off around 8:30 a.m. Swimmers registered for the longer distance will be transported to their starting point at the Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina, while 1-mile swimmers will depart from the dock at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Participants should be aware that the last bus for 3.2-mile swimmers will leave at 7:30 a.m.
It is important to note that same-day registration is not available, as registration closed on May 28, 2025.
Awards and Safety Measures
Following the completion of the 5K, winning participants will be honored during the awards presentation at the downtown marina parking lot. The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will ensure swimmer safety throughout the event, alongside a fleet of kayakers and safety vessels. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will halt boating traffic along the swimming route to maintain a secure environment for all competitors.
Background and Community Impact
Over the years, the Beaufort River Swim has evolved into a significant event for the local community, providing critical funding for swimming scholarships. As a result of this annual fundraiser, the YMCA can offer financial assistance to over 350 individuals seeking swimming lessons, fundamentally enhancing water safety in the area.
Last year’s overall champions were male winner Cohen Bruner and female winner Piper Lucas. This year’s anticipated level of participation is expected to create a lively atmosphere, engaging both competitors and spectators alike as they come together to support a vital cause and enjoy a day of community spirit.
With enthusiastic participation and dedicated planning, the 19th Annual Beaufort River Swim promises to be a memorable event devoted to promoting safety and enjoyment in water activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Highway Accident Claims Life in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Enhances Swimming Safety Amid Drowning Concerns
Jan Koum’s Super Yacht Mogambo Makes Waves in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Beaufort River Swim Set for Saturday Morning
- Wikipedia: Swimming
- Explore Beaufort SC: Take a Dip in the Water at the Upcoming Beaufort River Swim
- Google Search: Beaufort River Swim
- Eat Stay Play Beaufort: Fun in the Water at the Beaufort River Swim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Competitive Swimming
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google News: Beaufort River Swim
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
