About

Swim Around Charleston

The race will take place on September 29, 2013 with a start time at 9:15 AM to take advantage of a favorable incoming tide.

This race is a 12 mile open water swim in the Charleston waterways and harbor.  Check in will begin at the host hotel beginning at 3 PM on September 28, 2013. The host hotel for this event is the Mount Pleasant Holiday Inn, located at the foot of the Ravenel bridge and close to the race starting point. 

The swim will begin at Remleys Point in Mount Pleasant, SC, proceed across the Cooper River to the Charleston side, parallel the peninsular city and proceeding north up the Ashley River to the finish point at I-526. There is a Charleston county boat landing serving as the take out spot for swimmers.

The race start has been calculated for participant safety and to allow as many swimmers the best possible chance of finishing. Very fast swimmers may have to swim through the last of the outgoing tide in the Ashley river. There is a time limit of six hours to complete the event. Swimmers unable to finish in the allotted time will be removed from the water.

Swim Course

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Below we have posted some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an age limit for the Swim Around Charleston?

No specific age limit, but if you are under 18, you must have written permission from a parent/guardian. 

Can I wear a wetsuit?
 No, wetsuits are not allowed. The SAC conforms to standard open water rules.
  • Swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, neoprene or any other devices to maintain body heat. Wetsuits, fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited.
  • Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed.
  • Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the event. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification.
  • Swimmers should bring at least one crew member to provide feeding assistance. If a swimmer is unable to bring their own crew, please notify the race committee and we will use our best efforts to provide you a crew member.
  • Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim.
  • The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.

In addition swimmers may wear:

  • One suit, swim cap, goggles, earplugs and grease will be allowed.
  • For women, suits that cover up to their neck and down to their knees are acceptable.
  • For men, suits may not cover their torso, nor go below their knees. Neither men nor women may wear suits that cover their shoulders in any way.
  • All suits must be of the traditional swimming style “lycra” type suits.
  • All swimmers must wear event swim cap provided.

What type of weather conditions/water temperatures can I expect on race day?

September is one of Charleston’s most beautiful months. Average daytime highs are in the mid 70's to mid 80's. Corresponding water temperatures range from approximately 78-82 degrees as well. The swim takes place in a harbor and a river but with some ocean conditions so swimmers should expect some chop and potential wind throughout the course. The SAC date is chosen for optimum tides.  September is a more hurricane active month and there is a chance of postponement or cancellation due to hurricanes passing offshore in the Atlantic ocean or the Charleston area being under a hurricane watch or warning.  If there is a question of weather, the U.S. Coast Guard will have the final determination as to whether the race will take place.

How will I find my stuff after the race?

All swimmers’ belongings will be transported to the finish. Be sure to label your gear bag clearly. Remember, check in with your escort craft on race day and give your crew everything that you may need during the swim to keep in the boat or kayak. Extra gear or food will be difficult to find once out on the course.

Is the pre-race meeting mandatory?

YES.  No meeting, no swim. Due to a previous booking of the Holiday Inn Mt. Pleasant ballroom. they have graciously made another hotel space available to us.  Pre-race meetings will be held at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.  Both meetings will contain the same information, all involved with SAC need only attend one meeting.

This safety meeting is mandatory for all solo swimmers, kayakers, boaters and safety personnel. It is also the opportunity for swimmers to meet their escort kayakers or boaters. It will be held at the host hotel and last about one hour. Essential information about the race, its course, safety plan and strategy will be discussed. This meeting will be held early enough to finish and allow swimmers time to find a great dinner.

PLEASE NOTE- AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF EACH RELAY MUST BE PRESENT AT THE PRE-RACE MEETING.

Is there a pre-race dinner?

Charleston is known for its superb dining and it would be a waste of good pasta to hold a pre-race dinner when much better dining fare is available. In addition, Charleston is a wonderful city to explore and well worth an extra day or two if planning to swim the SAC. We will provide swimmers with some dining options.

What about shipping and recreational boat traffic?

The Coast Guard, in partnership with the Port of Charleston and SAC has established a safety zone for SAC swimmers and escort craft and the start and across the shipping channel. This zone will be in effect until swimmers are safely across the channel and are well down the Cooper River towards White Point Gardens. Commercial shipping traffic will stop and all recreational boaters will yield to swimmers. Throughout the race, guide boats and Coast Guard Auxiliary and city of Charleston Police boats will be on hand to monitor the course, slow boat traffic and act as shields for swimmers.

TWO-PERSON RELAY INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Swimmers must alternate every 30 minutes (no exceptions). The order of the swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim.
  • The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer.
  • Relay team members must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification.

FOUR PERSON RELAY INSTRUCTIONS:

  • All four swimmers must swim an initial leg of 30 minutes and once completed, begin 15 minute legs. The order of swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim.
  • The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer.
  • Relay team members must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification.