Long Island Sound Open Water Swim

07.27.24

5K Swimmers: $500 General Fundraising Requirement

• 14-16 years old: must have LIS committee approval.
• 12-14 years old: all parents and legal guardians of our young swimmers must agree to swim along side for the duration of the swim. If the parent or guardian is not participating in the event, he/she agrees to have another qualified adult, whom they shall specify on swim day, swim along side his/her child for the swim duration. Additionally, all swimmers 14 and under are required to wear a buoy during their open water swim. Buoys will be provided by Swim Across America.

2K Swimmers: $500 General Fundraising Requirement

• 12-14 years old: all parents and legal guardians of our youngest swimmers must agree to swim along side for the swim duration. If the parent or guardian is not participating in the event, he/she agrees to have another qualified adult, whom they shall specify on swim day, swim along side his/her child for the swim duration. Additionally, all swimmers 14 and under are required to wear a buoy during their open water swim. Buoys will be provided by Swim Across America.

NEW THIS YEAR: 1/2 Mile Larchmont Shore Club Pool Swim. Limited to the first 30 swimmers to register.

• Adults, and youth up to 15 years old: $500 General Fundraising Request
• 12-14 years old: $500 General Fundraising Request. All parents or guardians of young swimmers must remain poolside for the swimmer’s pool swim duration. No swimmers under the age of 12 will be allowed for this event. Note that we have several other less intense pool swims throughout the summer season.

***ALL swimmers between ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, all swimmers 14 and under are required to wear a buoy during their open water swim. Buoys will be provided by Swim Across America.
***NO swimmers under the age of 12 are allowed.

10K Swimmers: $5,000 fundraising minimum. Limited to the first 12 swimmers to register.

Must be 18 years or older, have previously completed a LIS 5K swim, and have LIS committee approval.

ALL swimmers must be out of the water by 10:15 am as per coast guard and harbor police. If you are lagging behind, you will be pulled closer to the finish.

Swim as an Individual, or on a Team:

A person may elect to swim alone, or be part of a team. Teams are friends and family that participate in a swim(s) together as a group, often times, in honor or in memory of an individual. Teams must have at least 5 swimmers and raise at least $5,000 - each additional member must raise $500. A swimmer may be part of a team, no matter in which venue they elect to swim. Online registration will close 48 hours prior to the swim! Event day registration may still be available if space permits.

Angel Swimmers

For those who are hesitant about swimming in open water, we are happy to provide an “angel swimmer” to swim the course alongside you. Angel swimmers are experienced open water swimmers who encourage you, keep an eye on you and support you during your swim. If you think you may benefit from having an angel swimmer, please respond yes to the question presented in online registration. You may also reach out to Jean Fufidio to answer any questions.

Wetsuit Policy, Rentals and Purchases:

Sound water temperatures can vary. Wetsuits are not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Please read our full wetsuit policy and tips on our Policies Page.

Online Wetsuit Purchase: Orca is an SAA wetsuit partner offering a 20% discount and entry to win a $500 gift card when you shop through our SAA Orca link.

Online Wetsuit Rental: Kit Lender is offering a 10% discount off any Wetsuit or Kit rental. Wetsuit rentals start at just $42/event. Orders placed at least 7 days in advance include free roundtrip shipping. Orders can typically be placed up to 2 days before the event. Get started HERE.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here.

2024 Swimmer Packet:

Please review the 2024 SWIMMER AND VOLUNTEER INFO PACKET before the event. It contains important information about the schedule, what to expect and what to bring.

Proceeds from the swims will support immunotherapy research at the Swim Across America Laboratory, the research laboratories of Dr. Luis Diaz and the MSK Kids Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, immunotherapy research and clinical trials at the Swim Across America Laboratory at Weill Cornell Cancer Center, pediatric oncology research at Morgan Columbia University Medical Center and patient services with Cancer Support Team.

Read the latest SAA-Long Island Sound impact report here.

Special thank you to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for hosting a panel discussion with with the young investigators whose groundbreaking research is funded by SAA grants. Watch the full video and learn more about your impact below.

Hear directly from the incredible doctors your funds are supporting below.

We support the Swim Across America Research Laboratory, the research laboratories of Dr. Luis Diaz and the MSK Kids Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 

The Swim Across Research Laboratory at Weill Cornell Cancer Center, led by Dr. Taha Merghoub, conducts immunotherapy research and clinical trials.

We fund the Tommy Palazzo Fellowship for Pediatric Oncology Research at Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian (Blood and Marrow Transplanation) at Columbia University Medical Center.

The Cancer Support Team is a local home health care agency located in Mamaroneck, NY. They provide many services to cancer patients and their families.

What is SAA MY WAY?

SAA My Way is our virtual offering where you decide your activity and timeline. Register with a $50 self-donation and we’ll send you an SAA Swag Bag to show off your spirit. All donations raised for your My Way will support our SAA-LIS event. Click here to learn about all the ways you can have fun your way!

Fundraising is not required but we encourage all SAA My Way participants to set a minimum fundraising goal of $250!

To sign up as an SAA My Way participant for our event, click the register button above and select 'SAA My Way' as your participation type.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Swim Across America Family ensuring our event run smoothly from beginning to end. Even if you aren’t a swimmer, you can still help us in the fight against cancer. Don’t forget, volunteers can fundraise too if they want! Ready to volunteer with us? Click on the Register button and select the Volunteer participation type.

Land Volunteers

Land Volunteers staff all aspects of our event on land. You can anticipate helping with set up, swimmer check-in, finish line support, hospitality and post-swim events/clean up.

Water Volunteers

Water volunteers consist of kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and power boaters that provide crucial logistical and safety support to our event officials and for our swimmers. They will monitor the swim lane, keep an active eye on all our swimmers and communicate any swimmer issues to our event officials.

Angel Swimmers

Angel Swimmers are experienced open water swimmers who are willing to accompany a nervous swimmer throughout the course. Angel swimmers must be able to swim all distances and help out if the swimmer needs. To register as an angel swimmer, choose “volunteer” and then select Angel Swimmer. The local planning team will have final approval of angel swimmers.

Questions about volunteering? Check out our SAA Volunteer Page or contact Jean Fufidio.

If this is your first time participating or if you just need some tips to be a better fundraiser, click here. It will walk you through the participant center and teach you how to email donors, share on social media sites and download the fundraising app. You can find more helpful resources on our fundraising resources page.

NEW! Watch these instructional videos to learn how to register, update your participant center, connect to Facebook and more!

You may support the swimmer of your choice by making an online donation. Or you may send a check, payable to Swim Across America, to the address below:

Swim Across America
PO Box 217
Larchmont, NY 10538

Make sure to include a note with the name of the swimmer you are supporting.

SAA Safety & Policies:

Participant safety is the most important component of all our events. All swimmers will be asked to follow specific safety procedures and policies to participate, as well as comply with SAA safety personnel, including local and government entities, Lifeguards, and water safety volunteers. Participants are responsible for adequately preparing for their registered event. We ask that all participants review the information packet provided in advance of event day, as well as attend the day-of safety briefing for important safety information.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here.

If you have questions about our policies regarding inclement weather, swim equipment or wetsuits, please consult our Policies page.

Donation Form

Swimmer Sponsor Donation Sheet

Waiver Registration

Arrival Times

• 10K Swimmers and 10K Kayakers - arrive promptly at 4:45 am (earlier than usual at Larchmont Yacht Club) to sign in.
• Kayakers (excluding 10K Kayakers) - arrive promptly at 6:00 am (earlier than usual at Larchmont Yacht Club) to load kayaks to avoid water traffic.
• Volunteers (Larchmont Yacht Club) - arrive between 5:00 and 5:30 am. Please park diagonal on Larchmont Ave.
• Volunteers (Larchmont Shore Club) - arrive based on your volunteer schedule. Park on street outside. There is a courtesy shuttle that goes between both clubs.
• 5K, 2K Open Water Swimmers and NEW! 1/2 mile Same Day Pool Swimmers (Larchmont Shore Club) - arrive between 6:00 and 6:45 am for registration prior to the mandatory safety talk. All swimmers, including Larchmont Shore Club pool swimmers, must check in at the Larchmont Yacht Club. LSC pool swimmers will be shuttled to LSC at 7:30 am.
• ***Please note: Registration closes at 7:00 AM. No exceptions. All swimmers must be present for safety talk at 7:00 AM to participate.

Course Map

Logistics

Click here for an in-depth description of the swim logistics.

Water Temperature

Water temperature in the Sound is expected to be in the high 60s on the date of our swim.

Transportation and Parking

For those arriving by train, a car will be at the Larchmont Train Station to provide swimmer transportation to LYC. Buses will provide transportation be available between both clubs to and the train station.

Parking is limited at both Larchmont Clubs. It is recommended that all non-swimmers attending the Larchmont Clubs park at the Larchmont Train Station - NYC South bound Side. Buses will be provided for free transportation to the Larchmont Clubs and back.

Larchmont Yacht Club
1 Woodbine Ave.
Larchmont, NY

Larchmont Shore Club
1 Oak Bluff Ave.
Larchmont NY.

Schedule

Check-in at Larchmont Yacht Club Pandemonium: 5:45 am to 6:45 am. Please come early. Complimentary continental breakfast is served.

• For safety purposes, if you do not sign in, you can't swim. Period. If you swim without signing in, you will never swim at this event again.
• We have a new walkway in front of club house. Swimmers do not go to Junior club house so they leave and tag their bags outside the Pandemonium. They will be transported to LSC with Collins truck.

10K Swimmers - once directed, proceed from LYC front lawn assembly to dock

• Sign in is at 4:45 AM.
• Leave the dock at 5:30 AM.
• Will go to Long Island to get into the water at approximately 6:15 AM
• Each swimmer will be assigned a personal Kayaker. You will be introduced the week of the swim.
• Any questions call: Richard Clifford (Kayaks): 917-854-5824 or Steve Newman (Swimmers): 914-260-3412

5K Swimmers - once directed, proceed from LYC front lawn assembly to dock

• At 7:30, groups of 30 will enter the water in two-minute intervals.
• Swim out through the boat channel - your course will be clearly marked with inflatables and stationary kayaks.
• Swim near to the end of the breakwater to a turning mark, turn right, swim along a clearly marked path outside the 'Hens and Chickens' rocks, turn right again.
• Swim toward Larchmont Shore Club, looking for the tear drop SAA signs and welcome tunnel.
• You will be assisted by our welcome team as you come out of the water.

2K Swimmers - once directed, proceed from LYC front lawn assembly to dock

• At 8:00, groups of 30 will enter the water in two-minute intervals.
• There is a large turning mark at the end of the mooring field where you will turn right, proceeding to Larchmont Shore Club, your course clearly marked with inflatables and stationary kayaks.
• As you swim towards Larchmont Shore Club, look for the SAA tear drop signs and welcome tunnel.
• You will be assisted by our welcome team as you come out of the water.

NEW! Same Day 1/2 Mile Pool Swimmers at Larchmont Shore Club - after the safety talk and once directed, proceed from Larchmont Yacht Club front lawn assembly to buses that will take you to the Larchmont Shore Club with a dedicated escort. Bring your belongings with you. We are limiting pre-registration to 30 1/2 mile pool swimmers for this event.

• At 8:00, swimmers will enter the water
• You must exit the water no later than 9:30 am, where you will be assisted by our team to sign out, get a towel and enjoy our post-swim celebration with everyone.

Boat and Kayak support are lined up to keep you on course and keep you safe.

• Spot your support. Know where your closest kayaker is located, just in case you need assistance. Take off your cap and wave it in the air, and a boater or kayaker will tend to your needs.
• Listen to the safety staff. Listen to kayakers, boaters or safety directors. They will keep you on course. To keep the swim moving, they might pick you up completely or move you forward.
• If you do not follow the safety staff directions, you might not be able to participate in future swims.

ALL swimmers must be out of the water by 10:15 am as per coast guard and harbor police. If you are lagging behind, you will be pulled closer to the finish.

Check-Out: all swimmers MUST check out. This is a mandatory safety regulation! Whether you finish the swim or not, you need to check out!

Brunch: Provided post swim for each swimmer, boater, kayaker & land volunteer. Brunch tickets may be purchased for guests. Teams are recognized during the brunch. A facsimile check is presented to the beneficiaries.  Shower and changing facilities provided at Larchmont Shore Club.

Awards Ceremony: After swimmers cross the finish line, enjoy our beneficiary recognition, watch the check presentation ceremony and enjoy brunch with family and friends.

We are really excited about this year’s event and we hope you can join us in our enthusiasm and help in the fight against cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our safety team:

Tim Regan at 914-830-1668 or Steve Newman at 914-260-3412.

Course Map

Logistics

Click here for an in-depth description of the swim logistics.

Water Temperature

Water temperature in the Sound is traditionally in the 76-78 degree range on the date of our swim.

Transportation and Parking

For those arriving by train, a car will be at the Larchmont Train Station to provide swimmer transportation to LYC. Buses will provide transportation be available between both clubs to and the train station.

Parking is limited at both Larchmont Clubs. It is recommended that all non-swimmers attending the Larchmont Clubs park at the Larchmont Train Station - NYC South bound Side. Buses will be provided for free transportation to the Larchmont Clubs and back.

Larchmont Yacht Club
1 Woodbine Ave.
Larchmont, NY

Larchmont Shore Club
1 Oak Bluff Ave.
Larchmont NY.

Please note: Online registration closes three days prior to the pool swim. However, we invite walk-ins day of the event.

NYAC Travers Island Pool Swim

New York Athletic Club - Travers Island
Date: July 12
Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Coveleigh Club Pool Swim

Coveleigh Club
Date: July 24
Time: 3 - 5:30 p.m.

Orienta Beach Club Pool Swim

Orienta Beach Club
Date: July 20
Time: 6:15 - 9:30 a.m.

Chappaqua S&T Club Pool Swim

Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Club
Date: July 21
Time: 8 - 11 a.m.

Scarsdale Golf Club Pool Swim

Scarsdale Golf Club
Date: July 25
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

NEW in 2024! Larchmont Shore Club 1/2 mile Pool Swim

Date: July 27, 2024
Registration: 6:00 - 6:45 am at Larchmont Yacht Club. You will be bused over to the Shore Club. Please bring your own belongings onto the bus.
Swim: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. at Larchmont Shore Club

Lake Isle Club Pool Swim

Lake Isle Country Club
Date: August 3
Time: 7 - 9:30 a.m.

Westchester Country Club Pool Swim

Westchester Country Club
Date: July 13
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 AM

Start A Pool Swim

Interested in raising money for SAA - Long Island Sound, but not sure you're ready for the open water? Why not start a pool swim? Gather together your family, friends or team for a day at the pool. Email Jean Fufidio to learn more!

Interested in being a SAA - Long Island Sound partner?

Partners who support Swim Across America are the backbone of our events and we offer a number of opportunities to get involved. You may choose to honor or remember a swimmer, advertise your business, or honor the swim itself. Swim Across America is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Click here to view our Journal Letter

Click here to view our Event Sponsorship Levels

To sign up to be a Journal Sponsor, view our Journal Sponsorship Contract.

If you have any questions about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meg Sutton.

Memorial Moments:

1992: First Long Island Sound Swim, 4 miles, 17 swimmers, raised $15,000

1994: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (NYC) renamed one of its highest priority labs in honor of Swim Across America. First year of our point-to-point swim course, ending at Larchmont Shore Club, with a celebratory brunch.

1996: Without a swim in 1996, the LIS Committee reformed; a 1-mile swim was added to the 4-mile swim. Cancer Support Team and Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian at Columbia University Medical Center were added beneficiaries.

1999: The Orienta Beach Club Pool 1/2 and 1-mile swims were added, offering a less intense swim option to those who wanted to participate and support LIS events.

2003: A 6-mile swim was added to our open water swim for those who wanted to raise the bar on their swimming and fundraising capabilities.

2005: NYAC Travers Island Pool Swim was added to our event schedule and we broke the $1 million fundraising mark.

2011: The Swim Across America Lab at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center announced their development of an FDA-approved revolutionary drug to treat advanced skin cancer. We added more pool swims, introduced the "pool crawl" and raised over $1.2 million.

2017: Marked our 25th year raising money to fight cancer through research and patient care.

2022: We celebrated our 30th year of fighting cancer in the Long Island Sound and raised a record-breaking $1.7 million.

2023: Raised a record-high of over $1.8 million. Also added Weill Cornell Medical Center as a new beneficiary.

2022 marked SAA Long Island Sound’s 30th year raising money to fight cancer through research, as well as provide for those who are going through treatment. We give thanks to all of you who have partnered with us throughout the years to make this event such a success. 

Please watch the excitement from our 30th Anniversary and hope you will CATCH OUR WAVE and join us in 2024!

2024 SAA-LIS kickoff video

All historical photo albums can be found here.

2023 SAA-Long Island Sound kickoff video

IN THE NEWS

Here are some recent stories that display the impact members of the Swim Across America family have had in the Long Island Sound Community.

2023 SAA-Long Island Sound recap video

2023 SAA-Long Island Sound kickoff video

Tony Sibio's Retirement Speech - 2023 National Summit

2019 SAA-LIS Video

2019 Kickoff Video