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Qualifying Requirements

All swimmers must certify that they have the required proficiency to safely complete the distance for which they are registering prior to August 8, 2012. Proof will be required in the form of a hard copy or link to a race results page.

Qualifying requirements are as follows:

All participants must be comfortable in the ocean and kids 12 years or under must be able to swim 100 yards in 1:40. Anything goes for the 500 meter swim and Kids Fun Splash.

Individual Swims:

500 meters. No qualification is necessary for this distance. However, we recommend that participants can swim at least 500 continuous meters in the pool and have done at least one open water swim prior to the event.

1.2 mile. No qualification is necessary for this distance. However, we recommend that participants are comfortable in the ocean and have experience swimming at least 500 continuous meters in open water previously.

2.4 mile. Participants must have completed one of the following:

• 1.2-mile swim (1/2 Ironman) or longer
• Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier swim
• Attend and pass a lifeguard checkout swim

4.8 mile. Participants must have completed one of the following:

• 2.4 mile swim (Ironman distance) or longer
• 5K swim or longer in an official event
• Dwight Crum Pier to Pier Swim in the top 40% of finishers
• Attend and pass a lifeguard checkout swim

10k. Participants must have completed one of the following:

• 5K swim or longer in an official event
• Attend and pass a lifeguard checkout swim

12.6 mile. A kayaker/paddle board escort is required for this distance. To qualify for this distance, participants must have completed one of the following:

• 10K or longer swim in an official event
• Attend and pass a lifeguard checkout swim

Relay Swims:

4.8-mile Relay. Relay swimmers must meet the requirements for the 1.2-mile event.

12.6-mile Relay. Relay swimmers in the first 4 legs of the 8-stage relay must meet the requirements for the 2.4-mile event. Swimmers in the remaining 4 legs of the relays must meet the requirements for the 1.2-mile event. A kayaker/paddle board escort is required for teams of 4 or less.

Kayak/Escort

A kayaker/paddle board escort is required for the 12.6-mile individual swim and for 12.6-mile Relay teams of 4 or less. The escort is not required for teams of 5 or more. If you would like to volunteer as a kayaker for the event, please register here.

Qualifying Swims

Any official swim that is the same or longer in distance of the swim you'll participate in will qualify you. If you have questions please email info@distanceswimchallenge.com.

Lifeguard Checkout Swims

If you cannot attend a qualifying swim, we offer a lifeguard checkout swim in July to qualify you for the event. Please check back for more information.