News Summary
The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is poised to surpass last year’s turnout with over 202 participants currently registered. This popular event serves as the main fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program, aimed at providing scholarships for swim lessons. With multiple swim distances and a new relay option, the event hopes to engage the community while emphasizing the importance of water safety and education. Awards will be presented at the event with safety measures in place to ensure a secure environment for all participants.
Beaufort, SC – The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is set to take place on Saturday morning, May 31, and is expected to break participation records this year. With an anticipated turnout exceeding last year’s 171 registrants at the same time, organizers are excited about the potential for increased community engagement and fundraising for an important cause.
This popular event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program, aiming to provide scholarships for swim lessons to over 350 individuals within the community. As of Tuesday, May 27, there are already 202 participants registered, indicating strong interest and support for swimming education in the Beaufort area.
The Beaufort River Swim features several events to cater to different skill levels and interests. Competitors can choose to participate in a 3.2-mile competitive swim, a 1-mile swim, or a new 5K road race option that follows either swim distance. For participants looking to join forces, a relay option has been introduced this year, allowing one swimmer to complete the swim while another runs the 5K, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among competitors.
The marina parking lot will serve as the staging area and end point for both swimming events, making it a central hub for participants and spectators alike. Competitors are encouraged to check in early starting at 6 a.m. on the day of the event to receive their timing chips and necessary markings. The 3.2-mile swim is planned to begin at 8 a.m., with the Fun Swim following approximately 30 minutes later. To ensure effective management of the event, YMCA staff will utilize buses to transport swimmers to their designated start points. The last bus for those participating in the 3.2-mile swim will leave at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
It is essential to note that there will be no same-day registration available as registration closed on Wednesday, May 28. Free parking will be offered until noon, creating accessibility for both competitors and supporters attending the event.
Awards will be distributed at the downtown marina parking lot area approximately two hours after the swim starts for swimmers, and two and a half hours after for those participating in the swim/running relay. The safety of all participants is a top priority, with the Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron on hand to provide safety support throughout the event. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will oversee the closure of boating traffic along the swim route to ensure a safe environment for all swimmers. A fleet of kayakers and safety vessels will be closely monitoring the course during the swims.
The Beaufort River Swim has become a cherished tradition in the Beaufort area since its inception in 2006 and has been officially adopted by the YMCA since 2008. Last year’s overall champions were Cohen Bruner and Piper Lucas, whose accomplishments have inspired many local athletes to participate in the upcoming events and strive for personal bests.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds around the record-breaking participation and the significant impact it will have on the community by increasing access to essential swimming lessons. The Beaufort River Swim promises not only to deliver an exciting competition but also to elevate the importance of water safety and education within the region.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Google Search: Beaufort River Swim
- Eat Stay Play Beaufort
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: Beaufort River Swim
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Beaufort River Swim
- WJCL
- Google Search: Swimming Safety
