News Summary
The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is scheduled for May 31, expecting over 202 participants, surpassing last year’s numbers. Fundraising for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program is the main goal of this popular event. Various swim and road race options are available, along with provisions for participant safety. This year’s event symbolizes community support and promotes health and fitness. An awards ceremony will follow the completion of the races, enhancing the competitive spirit and community engagement.
Beaufort – The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is set to take place this Saturday morning, May 31, on the scenic Beaufort River. Organizers are anticipating a record-breaking turnout this year, with registrations reaching 202 as of May 27, surpassing last year’s total of 171 participants by the same date.
This popular aquatic event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program, helping to provide scholarships for those in need. According to event organizers, over 350 individuals could benefit from swim lessons through these funds.
Event Details
Participants will have the option to compete in various events throughout the day, including:
- 3.2-mile competitive Beaufort River Swim
- 1-mile Fun Swim
- 5K Road Race following either swim distance
- A new relay option that allows one participant to swim and another to run the 5K.
The competitive swim is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., with the Fun Swim following at approximately 8:30 a.m. All swimmers must check in at the marina to receive their timing chip and be marked up, with check-in commencing at 6 a.m. Participants in the 3.2-mile swim will be transported by bus to Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina, while 1-mile swimmers will depart from the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock. It is important to note that the last bus for 3.2-mile swimmers will leave the marina at 7:30 a.m.
Safety Measures
The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will provide primary safety support for the swim event. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will impose restrictions on boating traffic along the swim route to ensure participant safety. A fleet of kayakers and safety vessels will monitor the swimming course throughout the event.
Awards Presentation
Following the completion of the 5K Road Race, an awards ceremony will be held at the downtown marina parking lot. Awards will be presented approximately two hours after the swim start for swimmers and two and a half hours after for those in the swim/run relay. Last year’s champions were Cohen Bruner and Piper Lucas, who took home the titles for the male and female overall winners, respectively.
Registration Information
Although registration officially ended on May 28, the growing interest reflects the community’s commitment to supporting the YMCA’s programs. Same-day registrations will not be allowed, making it crucial for interested participants to adhere to the registration deadlines.
Conclusion
The Beaufort River Swim not only promotes health and fitness through its competitive events but also enhances community well-being by funding essential swimming education programs. With a record number of participants expected this year, the event is poised to be both a competitive challenge for participants and a celebration of community support.
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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
- Google Scholar: Swimming Education Programs
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming
- WJCL
- Google News: Beaufort River Swim 2023
