Wild Fish Swim Festival

2025 Athlete Email

Details: This annual community open water swim event typically attracts an average of 200 swimmers split between three different distances. The temperature of the water is typically about 66 degrees F. The swim takes place in a calm, protected cove,  and is well supported with at least a dozen volunteers in kayaks/paddleboarders. Cozy unisex t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants pre-registered by August 1st. Latex swim caps will be provided for all swimmers. If you are allergic to latex, please feel free to bring your own.

Distances: 1/2 Mile, 1 Mile and 2 Mile 

Time: 12PM start (Registration/Packet pickup opens at 10:45AM)

Location: Collins Cove Beach, Salem, MA. (GPS 102 Webb St. Salem, MA) Collins Cove is located on Webb Street which is off Bridge Street. Follow signs to Salem Willows and you will see us. We are the cove on the left heading towards the Willows.

Wave Start Times:
12PM – 2 Mile Swimmers
12:05PM – 1 Mile Swimmers
12:15PM – ½ Mile Swimmers

Course Distances:
1/2 mile 
1 mile
2 mile 

Award Categories:
Top 3 M/F Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1 and 2 Mile
Top 3 M/F Non-Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1 and 2 Mile
No Double Dipping


Post Race Festivities: Several packaged food items, fruit and iced coffee will be available for swimmer’s post-race. If you are looking for something a little heartier post-race without going too far, right across from the race venue, Piccolo Piatti, offering fresh juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and more. We encourage you to stick around the City for the rest of the afternoon! Just a short walk into downtown to all the tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, cafes and boutique shops that are worth checking out. 

We highly recommend stopping by Longboards Restaurant and Bar on Pickering Wharf Marina. They are always serving up the coldest beer and tastiest foods!! A true locals spot with great indoor and outdoor seating offering up great burgers, flatbreads and lobster rolls!! It’s a huge place, indoor, outdoor bars and room for everyone! They are offering 15% off food, just mention you swam in the event!

Parking: Street parking along the beach is limited, neighborhood parking is available. All overflow parking will be at Bentley School Parking lot (25 Memorial Drive, Salem, MA). Athletes, please follow the newly paved walking path directly across from the school parking lot to the race site.

Special Details and Information:
No floaties, fins or paddles allowed. Inflatable buoys are allowed. There will be plenty of kayakers, paddleboarders, emergency boats in the water for athlete safety. In the event there is not enough interest in any one of the distances or categories listed above, event organizers reserve the right to change/cancel or modify the category. In this case, refunds and transfers are eligible.

Distance or Category Changes: If you do change your mind about the category you pre-registered for or the distance you’d like to swim, please email info@bnsfitness.com in advance or notify someone at race day registration. A change fee may apply.

Water Temperature Guidelines: FINA’s Open Water Swim rules tell us that the lower limit for water temperature (measured 1 m below the surface) is 16 degrees C (60.8 F). If the water temperature is lower, the event may be shortened or canceled. This figure of 16 degrees C is based on the fact that both male and female swimmers will not experience dangerous declines in body temperature in water temperatures of 16 degrees C or higher when swimming at typical open water race speeds.

The minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional is 14 degrees C (57.2 degrees F)
At temperatures less than 12 degrees C (53.6 degrees F) the swim will be canceled.

Weather:  In the case of event cancellation due to public safety, inclement weather, unsafe waters or some other unforeseen power at be due to tide schedules the event will not be rescheduled. 

Questions: Please email B&S Event Management at info@bnsfitness.com or call 978-204-8588.