Event likely to again set participation record
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
When the Beaufort River Swim goes off for the 20th time Saturday morning, June 6, on the Beaufort River, it looks like it will once again be a record-breaker, participation wise.
Nancy Kirk, Director Of Marketing and Development at Beaufort-Jasper YMCA in Port Royal, said on Monday, June 1, that there were 232 participants registered, already enough to surpass the 225 participants in the 2019 race and approaching the 250-participant cap. At the same point last year, there were 202 participants registered.
Registration was to close at 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 3.
The race is the chief fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program.
The day’s events include the 3.2-mile competitive Beaufort River Swim, a 1-mile Swim and 5K Road Race after either swim distance. There is a relay option, as well, where one person swims and a second person runs the 5K.
Local Masters swimmer Chris Reed came up with the idea of the River Swim, and it was brought to life by then-YMCA board member Pete Palmer, with help from Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry CEO, Michael Bostwick.
From Day 1, the purpose of the race was to fund the Learn to Swim program. While the number or participants now approaches 250, the first race featured 30 swimmers. The race starts at the marina in Port Royal (or at Beaufort Memorial Hospital for the 1-mile swimmers) and concludes at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park (the Beaufort marina parking lot).
The Wardle Family YMCA emphasizes that proceeds from the event directly support water safety in a coastal community where swimming is a critical life skill.
According to a media release, in 2025, the Beaufort River Swim raised $28,400, contributing to $30,600 in scholarship assistance provided by the Wardle Family YMCA. That same year, the Y taught 955 local individuals to swim, including 288 who received free or reduced-cost lessons.
Defending champions
Last year’s male and overall champion was then-14-year-old Jack Shave of Hilton Head Island, who finished his first 3.2-mile Beaufort River Swim with a time of 52:56. The female champion was fellow Hilton Head Island teen Piper Lucas, who finished in a time of 53:14.
Race logistics
The Beaufort marina parking lot is the end point of both swims. This is the staging area for swim and run events. Competitors should look for directional signage for check-in to receive a timing chip and be marked up. Parking is free until noon.
Check-in begins at 6 a.m., and the 3.2-mile competitive swim starts this year at 8:30 a.m., with the Fun Swim starting at approximately 9 a.m..
YMCA staff will transport via bus all swimmers to their respective starting points (Safe Harbor Port Royal Marina for the 3.2-Mile swimmers and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock for the 1-mile swimmers). The last bus for the 3.2-mile swimmers leaves the Beaufort Marina at 7:30 a.m.
Award presentations will be held at the downtown marina parking lot area immediately after the 5K ends.
The Beaufort Search and Rescue Squadron will be providing the primary safety for the event. DNR will have boating traffic cut off along the route. A fleet of kayakers and other safety vessels will monitor the course to ensure the swimmers’ safety.
Awards presentation will be held two hours after the swim start for swimmers and two and a half hours after the swim start for swim/runners at the Downtown Beaufort Marina parking lot area.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.