Swim Across America - Tampa Bay Open Water Swim

General Fundraising Requirement: $300 for adults; $150 for under 18

All swimmers pledge to raise a minimum based on your age. Adult participants are asked to raise a minimum of $300. Participants under 18 are asked to raise a minimum of $150. If you do not achieve the minimum by event day, you will be asked to close the money gap at the event with a credit card or check.

WaveMaker Status: $1,000 minimum:

WaveMakers go above and beyond the call of duty by raising at least $1,000 regardless of your age. Anyone can achieve WaveMaker status - swimmers, volunteers or SAA My Way participants. WaveMakers get special recognition and an exclusive WaveMaker gift on event day. You can learn more about WaveMaker Status here.

Swim as an Individual, or on a Team

A person may elect to swim alone, or be part of a team. Many colleagues and college alumni will form teams, or teams may be formed in honor or memory of a loved one. All teams are inspirational and rewarding for all of us involved with Swim Across America. All team members are still required to meet their individual fundraising minimums based on their age, distance or WaveMaker status as noted in the prior sections.

Club Team Fundraising Requirements

For club teams (18 or under age group led by a captain), the fundraising rule is that the average raised per swimmer is $150. For example, if the club has 20 swimmers, the club as a whole must raise at least $3,000. Some swimmers can be under or over $150, but the team minimum must be reached and all swimmers can swim any distance.

Dolphin Dash

The Dolphin Dash is for kids under 8 who would like to participate by swimming a short distance along the beach under supervision. Registration is $25. There is no fundraising minimum for Dolphin Dash swimmers, however, they are encouraged to fundraise if they would like!

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 Julia Lamb to answer any questions.

Distance Options:

• 1/2 Mile
• 1 Mile
• 2.0 Mile
• Dolphin Dash (for kids)

Course Map

Registration Self-Donation:

Swimmers will be asked to kickstart your fundraising and let your supporters know you are personally committed to the mission of SAA. The registration self-donation is a 100% tax deductible donation that will be will be credited towards each swimmer's fundraising minimum. The minimum self-donation amount will change as follows:

• Register before March 31 with a registration fee of $50
• Register between March 31 and April 12 with a registration fee of $75
• Register between April 13 and April 29 with a registration fee of $100
• Register between April 30 and May 6 with a registration fee of $200 (U18: $150).

Online registration will close the Wednesday before the event. Same day registration is available if space permits.

Waiver:

All swimmers and volunteers must complete the waiver found here.

Swim Time Limit:

We have a two hour cut off for the swim. What does this mean for you? It will be at the discretion of the Safety Director as to whether to "advance" you to a point closer to the finish or to have the lifeguards remove you from the water after that time limit passes. Please keep in mind that all of these procedures are designed in the interest of safety.

Wetsuits:

The average water temperature is 80 degrees in May. Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is under 83.9 degrees.

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. Receive a 20% discount on all Orca purchases with code OF_SAA20.

2026 Swimmer Packet:

Please review the 2026 SWIMMER AND VOLUNTEER INFO PACKET before the event. It contains important information about the schedule, what to expect and what to bring.