The Wardle Family YMCA will again host the Beaufort River Swim (BRS), now in its 13th consecutive year, on Saturday, May 18.
Competitive swimmers, triathletes, high school, college and recreational fitness swimmers will have a chance to challenge themselves beyond the pool in the 3.2-mile Competitive open water race.
The 1-mile Fun Swim allows those who are new to open water swimming the opportunity to see what it takes to swim in a saltwater, tidal river.
Registration for both races is open. The price for the 3.2-mile race is $60 per person through May 12, when the cost increases to $65. The price for the Fun Swim is $35 per person through May 12, when the cost increases to $40.
All registration for both swims is completed online. Visit beaufortriverswim.com to register and get more details, including the course map. Swimmers who have already registered can pick up their race bag at the Wardle Family Y in Port Royal (1801 Richmond Ave.) on Friday, May 17 starting at 3 p.m. or simply get it at check-in on race day starting at 6 a.m.
Note that swimmers registered after May 3 are not guaranteed to receive a T-shirt or race bag – available on a first-come, first-serve basis for day-of registrants.
The start-time for the 3.2-mile race is 7:15 a.m., while the Fun Swim starts at approximately 7:45 a.m., when the competitive swimmers have passed the Beaufort Memorial day dock (the fun swim start location).
Check-in starts at 6 a.m. at the downtown Beaufort Marina parking lot. As in years past, all swimmers will be bused to their respective starting points by Y staff and they can pick up their belongings at the race finish.
The spectator boat departs from the downtown Beaufort marina. The spectator boat cost is $30 per person and tickets can be purchased at the YMCA in Port Royal prior to race day or the morning of the race at the check-in. There are limited spots on the boat. There is free parking in the downtown Beaufort waterfront park parking lot until 12 noon.
Swimmers competing in the 3.2-mile race who win their age category will go home with one of the coveted Bobble Head BRS trophies, although wearing a wet suit in the 3.2-mile swim disqualifies a swimmer from placing and receiving a trophy.
Fun Swim participants are allowed to wear a wet suit, use fins and snorkel if they like, but are not trophy-eligible since the Fun Swim is not timed.
All participants who finish will receive special BRS medals this year as well.
