2026 Swim Across the Bay

2026 Swim Across the Bay Race Information

<h2><strong>Swim Across the Bay 2026</strong></h2> <h3>Sunday, September 13, 2026 – 7:30 AM</h3> <h3>Location<br />100 Jody Compretta Dr<br />Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520</h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><strong>Start</strong></h3> <h3><strong>Henderson Point Boat Launch</strong><br />99 W Bayview St<br />Pass Christian, MS 39571</h3> <p>A continuous shuttle will run from <strong>5:30 AM to 8:30 AM</strong> from near <strong>The Blind Tiger</strong> on the Bay St. Louis side. Signs will mark the pickup spot on Beach Blvd. Use the shuttle to return to the start if you parked there.</p> <h3><strong>Finish</strong></h3> <h3><strong>Beach north of the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor</strong><br />100 Jody Compretta Dr<br />Bay St. Louis, MS 39520</h3> <h3><strong>Race Description</strong></h3> <p>Swim Across the Bay is a <strong>2‑mile, point‑to‑point open water swim</strong>, founded in 2017. Swimmers begin at the Henderson Point Boat Launch and follow a straight route across the bay to the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor pier.</p> <p>All participants and volunteers will receive a <strong>Swim Across the Bay race shirt</strong>.</p> <h3><strong>Awards &amp; Rules</strong></h3> <p><br /><strong>Top 3 Overall Male &amp; Female</strong><br /><strong>1st, 2nd, 3rd (Male &amp; Female)</strong> in each age group<br /><strong>Age Groups</strong>: Under 15, then every 5 years (15–19, 20–24, …), and 75&#43;<br /><strong>Cutoff:</strong> 2 hours (swimmers who do not finish within the cutoff will be picked up by water support)<br />Participants <strong>17 and younger</strong> must have a dedicated volunteer paddler.<br />Kayak escorts are welcome and encouraged.<br /> </p> <h3><strong>Gear Guidelines</strong></h3> <p>Allowed: snorkel, personal buoy, other safety equipment<br />Not allowed: fins, hand paddles, or any propulsion devices<br />Wetsuits are allowed, but water temperatures are typically <strong>80°F&#43;</strong>, which is considered unsafe for wetsuits.<br />A swim cap is required; any cap is fine. A latex cap will be provided if needed.<br />Goggles are <strong>strongly recommended</strong>.<br /> </p> <p><strong>Parking &amp; Transportation</strong></p> <p><br />Participants may park at the finish area. A shuttle will transport swimmers to the start, or swimmers may be dropped off by friends or family.</p> <h3><strong>Event Details</strong></h3> <ul><li> <p>Breakfast items and drinks will be available after the race for all swimmers and volunteers.</p> </li><li> <p>Volunteers are needed for kayak/paddleboard support. A limited number of boats are available; volunteers with their own equipment are encouraged.</p> </li><li> <p>All volunteers receive a race shirt.</p> </li></ul> <h3><strong>Registration Fees</strong></h3> <p><br /><strong>Early-early Bird (until 4/30)</strong>: $50<br /><strong>Early Bird (5/1- 7/15)</strong>: $65<br /><strong>Regular (7/16–8/28)</strong>: $70<br /><strong>Late (8/29–9/13)</strong>: $75<br />  </p> <h3><strong>Packet Pickup</strong></h3> <p><br /><strong>New Orleans Area Early Pickup</strong><br />Thursday, September 10<br />Fleet Feet Metairie<br />3020 Severn Avenue<br />4:00 PM – 7:00 PM</p> <p><strong>Northshore Area Early Pickup</strong><br />Friday, September 11<br />Fleet Feet Covington<br />206 Lake Drive<br />4:00 PM – 7:00 PM</p> <p><strong>Bay St. Louis Pickup</strong><br />Saturday, September 12<br />The Mockingbird Café<br />110 S 2nd St<br />Bay St. Louis, MS 39520<br />11:00 AM – 2:00 PM</p> <p><strong>Race Day Pickup</strong></p> <p>Henderson Point Boat Launch<br />99 W Bayview St<br />Pass Christian, MS 39571<br />5:30 AM – 7:15 AM</p> <h3><strong>Event Insurance (Highly Recommended)</strong></h3> <p><br />Life happens — weather changes, injuries occur, schedules shift, and unexpected events pop up. Protect your registration with <strong>optional event insurance</strong> during checkout.</p> <p>Event insurance gives you peace of mind by providing reimbursement if you’re unable to participate for covered reasons such as:<br />• Illness or injury<br />• Family emergencies<br />• Work schedule conflicts<br />• Travel delays<br />• And other qualifying unforeseen circumstances</p> <p>This small one‑time cost can save you from losing your entire race fee if something unexpected comes up.</p> <p>We strongly encourage all participants to consider adding event insurance when registering so you can sign up with confidence.</p> <p> </p>