08/10/2019
Prerace information went out yesterday afternoon. Please see below if you had signed up and didn't receive it.
Race day is fast approaching and the weather looks great. Thank you for swimming for a great cause--clean water! Here is some important information for swimmers:
The races goes off at the far beach, which is near the swimming pool at Forest River Park ( Pickering Point). Parking is available in the parking lot at Forest River Park this year. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the event site. Additional parking can be found at Salem State's O'Keefe Center or along Lafayette Street and Loring Ave.
The Day:
We have a fabulous raffle with 32 awesome prizes, so come prepared! The prizes are listed at swimandfin.org. Raffle tickets are $10 for 15 tickets, $5 for 7 tickets and $1 each.
We'll also have a marine touch tank with sea creatures, music and refreshments. Swimmers will be treated to clam chowder donated by Finz Seafood Restaurant. Coffee from Coffee Time Bake Shop, water, bananas and baked goods will be on hand. There will be no food available for purchase this year so we ask that spectators plan accordingly.
CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS FOR REGISTRATION, TSHIRTS OR RAFFLE ARE SUBJECT TO A $1.50 FEE.
Three portable restrooms will be available in the park at the beginning of registration. Additional restrooms will open at the entrance to the park at 8am.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
6:15-7:30 am: Registration, check-in and body marking
7:15-7:45 am: 500 meter course available for warm-up. Swimmers must be registered and have body marking before warming up
7:50 am: Mandatory Swimmer Briefing
8:00 am: 5K start - Swimmers are allowed 2.5 hours to complete the course.
8:05 am: 500 meter start
8:10 am: 1 mile start
9:00 am: 500 meter awards
9:30 am: Raffle winners drawn
9:30am : 1 mile awards
10:15am: 5K awards
Registration/Packet Pickup: ONLY available on race day. If you would like to switch race distances, you can do this when you check in. At packet pickup you will receive your timing band, swim cap, and index card with your chip number. Your index card should match your swim cap color--the color defines which distance you will be swimming. Please be sure the number on your index card, swim cap and ankle strap number are the same!! Bring your index card to body marking and to the beach when you start your race.
Timing Chips: Please make sure your timing band is attached well to one of your ankles. We will have safety pins available if needed. Timing chips can NOT be covered by your wet suit. Chips and bands will be collected upon exiting the water. If yours is missed, please return it to us before leaving the park.
Swim Course: Click here for the course map. The 5k and 1 mile race will follow the same counter clockwise loop. Keep the buoys on your left at all times. The 500m swim will follow a small triangular counter clockwise course. Keep buoys on your left at all times.
Swim Safety: There will be a minimum of 10 safety vessels on the water including the Salem Harbormaster's boat, covering a 1 mile radius. If you need help and can put your hand up, our safety personnel will get to you as quickly as possible and give you a swim noodle, if needed. You are allowed to rest on the noodle for as long as needed; however you may not use it to continue the race. If at any point you do not want to continue, our staff will es**rt you to the Harbormaster's boat to come back to shore. You can choose to swim with or without a wet suit, but be aware that wet suits provide extra buoyancy.
Additional FAQs
I changed my mind and don't want to wear my wet suit (or vice versa).
No worries! Ask for a change form at registration.
Can someone else swim in my place?
Your registration is not transferable. If you are unable to swim, your registration will become a charitable donation to Salem Sound Coastwatch. We would happily provide a receipt for tax purposes.
This is my first open water swim and I am little nervous.
For those who are nervous in the water, an orange cap may be provided and safety personnel will know to keep an eye on you. If this is your first race we ask that you please consider a shorter distance.
What color cap is being used for each race?
White for the 500; neon yellow for the 1 mile; neon green for the 5k.
I missed the tee shirt deadline. Is it still possible to get one?
A limited number of extra tee shirts will be available to purchase for $10.
Will showers be available?
Unfortunately, due to construction, there are no showers available in the park. The Salem YMCA, located at 1 Sewall Street in Salem, is generously allowing our swimmers to use their showers and locker room after the swim. Swimmers will need to check in at the welcome desk and show their numbered swim cap or other proof of registration for the 2019 Swim & Fin and sign their guest book upon entry.
Where will results be posted?
coolrunning.com
Award Categories:
Fastest overall male and female in each race, plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, male and female, wet suit and non-wetsuit for the following age groups: 12 and under, 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 +
Any other questions? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Pictures! Stay connected and share your photos with us! Follow us on Instagram, to see event updates. Tag us in any photos you take and see photos from the day! Photos will also be posted on Facebook and Flickr.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors!
CSL Americas| Hawthorne Cove Marina
Salem Five Charitable Foundation | ACF Environmental Engineering
Beverly Bank | BMC Corportation | Bobrek Engineering and Construction
N. Granese & Sons General Contractors | Bosun's Marine
Cabot Wealth Management | Finz Seafood and Grill
Eastern Bank | Salem Harbor Station
Salem Witch Museum | JM Electrical Company
Marblehead Bank | North Shore Bank | Far from the Tree Cider
Soucy Insurance Agency | SumCo Eco-Contracting | The Salem Inn
Village Tavern | A. Lichelle Aldana, DDS | Fred J. Dion Yacht Yard
Ronan, Segal & Harrington | SAFE - Salem Alliance for the Environment
Pumel Enterprises | Winter Island Yacht Yard | Armstrong Field Real Estate
Banville Optical | Coffee Time Bake Shop
John Swain of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | Jubilee Yacht Club
Front Street Coffeehouse | Panera Bread
