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.
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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
