What is a marathon swim? Is this swim sanctioned?

A marathon swim is considered to be an unassisted swim greater than 10 km. The Around Beavertail Swim follows the protocols needed to be ratified/recognized by the Marathon Swimmers Federation. Past results can be found in the LongSwims Database.

Do I need a kayaker? Do I need to provide my own kayaker?

Yes, all swimmers are required to have a support kayaker to complete the swim. Swimmers are responsible for supplying their own kayaker and kayak. Swimmers take all of their feeds from their kayaker. Kayakers are also responsible for navigation and keeping their swimmer on the right course.

Swimmers may not rest on or hold onto the kayak, doing so will disqualify them and end their swim.

For swimmers that are in need of a kayaker/kayak, please get in touch: we will make our best effort at providing the resources needed but cannot make any guarantees.

By special exception only, a swimmer can use a support vessel other than a kayak. Please get in touch if you’d like to make a special request.

What other support will there be for swimmers?

From start to finish, we will have a support boat(s) to track and guide the swimmers/kayakers along the course. The Race Director, from a support boat, will be regularly checking in with the kayakers and the status of their swimmers.

Volunteers will also be at different on land lookout points, communicating with the support boats and kayakers via radio.

Additionally, this event is notified to the US Coast Guard for awareness.

What is the swim attire? What is allowed / not allowed?

The required swimsuit must be made of porous, textile materials. Swimsuits for females cannot extend below the knee, onto the neck, or past the shoulder. Swimsuits for males cannot extend below the knee or above the waist.

A brightly colored swim cap is required for visibility purposes. The swim cap cannot offer thermal protection or buoyancy.

Swimmers are required to swim with a brightly colored tow buoy. Buoys are mandatory for visibility and safety purposes Swimmers may not rest on or use their buoy for buoyancy, doing so will disqualify them and end their swim.

Swimmers may wear a GPS/sport watch.

What is the average water temperature?

The swim is usually held in August where the average water temperature in the Narragansett Bay is approximately 72°F, with a high of 79°F and a low of 65°F. As the race starts in the morning, you can expect the water to be slightly colder (69°F at the start in 2023) and to warm up as the race goes on.

We strongly encourage swimmers to prepare as if it could be colder than this and have the right hypothermia mitigation and recognition strategies in place with their kayaker.

What is the cutoff time?

Swimmers are given 6 hours to complete the swim.

Is there a pre-swim meeting?

At least a week in advance, the Race Director will send via email a logistics briefing for all swimmers and kayakers.

The morning of the swim, the Race Director will hold a pre-swim meeting on the beach.

What can I prepare for the registration process?

Emergency contact name, relationship and phone number

List of any medical conditions

List of marathon swimming experience and/or details of a qualification swim of at least 5 km, unassisted, within the past two years

Optional: a short biography about yourself and your swimming journey, with consent for us to publish on our website and/or social media

Optional: a photo of yourself, with consent for us to publish on our website and/or social media

What is the cancellation policy?

Due to the upfront nature of the costs associated with the swim, registration fees once paid are non-refundable. All swimmers acknowledge and accept this policy.

Swimmers may defer their registration to the following year’s event. To defer your registration, please email the Race Director. Swimmers may defer their registration up to 2 weeks prior to the event.

What is the weather policy?

Weather is a key factor to a successful swim event and the Race Director will be monitoring the weather very closely. In the event of inclement weather, we strive to secure the following day as an alternative swim date. In any given year, we cannot guarantee that we will be able offer a backup date.