Halifax Harbour swim postponed to Friday Sept. 8 due to weather
After checking with Environment Canada, we’ve decided to postpone the United Way campaign kick-off and Halifax Harbour swim to Friday, September 8. Rain, winds and swells in Halifax Harbour are forecast for Thursday so we’re delaying in the interest of safety of our swimmers.
Friday’s forecast looks promising but we are still expecting some wind. If swimmers are uncomfortable with proceeding, we could look at other options, i.e. shorter swim.
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This fall the Provincial United Way campaign is helping Canada celebrate its 150th birthday.
On Thursday, September 7th, 150 fearless fundraising swimmers will plunge into Halifax Harbour where, one stroke at a time, they will engage in harbor hopping, United Way Style!
And YOU could be one of them!
We are reaching out to swimmers across the province to invite you to celebrate this unique opportunity with us.
Swim Logistics:
- The swim check in will be between 9 and 11am at a designated spot on the Halifax Waterfront which we will confirm.
- The meeting point will be near Bishop’s Landing on the Halifax Waterfront where you will be transported via boat to the swim start near the Woodside Ferry Terminal.
- The swim will commence close to noon and swimmers will proceed a distance of 1600 metres back to Bishop’s Landing.
- There will be lifeguards on paddle boards and rescue boats patrolling the harbour.
- Each participant will receive a custom swim cap and a baseball style cap to commemorate the NS Harbour Swim and Canada 150
- There will be numerous media outlets onsite and photographers accompanying during the swim.
- Afterwards we will be posing for a group picture.
Wetsuits recommended.
Once we reach 150 swimmers we will create a waiting list.
All you need is two things to qualify:
- To be able to swim 1500metresin 40 minutes
- To be able to raise $150 in pledges
Registration fees
United Way Harbour Swim Closed
All registrations must collect $150 in pledges and your fee is waived
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FreeJul 5 - Sep 1
Q & A’s
Q: What is the length of the swim across Halifax Harbour?
A: The swim across Halifax Harbour is 1500 metres in length.
Q: I'm not certain, but, I think I can swim that distance. Should I sign up for the swim?
A: The Harbour Swim event is open to accomplished swimmers, only. To be eligible to participate in the event, you must be able to swim 1500 metres in 40 minutes.
Q: Will I need a wetsuit?
A: Yes. The temperature of the water in Halifax Harbour in early September is typically in the range of 16 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Q: Is it safe to swim in Halifax Harbour?
A: Yes. People have been able to safely swim in Halifax Harbour since the completion of the Harbour Solutions pollution abatement project almost 10 years ago.
Q: Where does the swim begin and end?
A: The swim will begin near the Woodside Ferry Terminal in Dartmouth (swimmers will be transported there by boat) and ends at Bishop's Landing on the Halifax waterfront.
Q: Will there be support in the water should I have trouble swimming?
A: There will be a number of lifeguards and support boats all the way across the harbour. Besides our wonderful lifeguards, we are support by Halifax Fire Dept, Halifax Police Dept and the RCMP. Should a swimmer need help they would just need to signal the nearest lifeguard or support boat for help.
Q: Will there be a check-in on the day of the swim?
A: On the day of the swim you will need to check in at Bishop’s Landing with our volunteers and get your swim package along with body marking.
Q: Am I allowed to use fins to swim?
A: You are allowed to use anything that makes you more comfortable to swim. We only suggest a wetsuit as water temperatures can be cool in September.
Q: Why do we have to raise $150.00
A: This year is a special year and we wanted to do something different. In our initial planning when we realized it was Canada 150, we wanted to commemorate such a special day, thus the idea of 150 swimmers, raising $150.00 each for United Way. Think of how our community will benefit!
Q: Is parking provided?
A: Unfortunately no, so arrive early. There is a large parking lot down by the Emera Building where you should be able to find lots of parking.
Q: Why do you support the United Way each year when there are so many charities to choose from?
A: United Way has been in existence since the Halifax Explosion and are celebrating 100 year this year. It has been the Government’s choice for support for over 65 years. The United Way works to improve lives and build community by engaging donors, residents and partners to work together on key issues affecting our city. United Way Halifax want Halifax to be free of poverty, so that people can live their best lives. (there is support for other charities as well).
Event schedule
- Thu, September 7, 2017 11:00 AM - Harbour Swim
Contact information
- Event contact
- Mary Lou Burke
- Phone
- +1 902-266-3371
