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Alcatraz Open Swim 2025 (previously known as the Alcatraz Invitational)

Welcome to the

Alcatraz Open Swim 2025!

(previously known as the Alcatraz Invitational)
Sunday, August 31, 2025

We are renaming the event from the Alcatraz Invitational to the Alcatraz Open Swim to capture the spirit of inclusivity and adventure. Like the island and host of the swim, the South End Rowing Club, we're embracing change and inviting you to be part of this epic swim.

Dive into the Alcatraz Open Swim, in which swimmers take on the legendary waters of the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and earn ultimate bragging rights (and for some, awards) as you conquer this thrilling 1.4-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a recent convert to open water, this adventure is open to all who dare to prepare!

Sign up now and get ready for an epic experience at the Alcatraz Open Swim 2025!

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, August 30:

5:00 pm -7:00 pm – Packet Pickup and Merchandise Sales in front of SERC

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Pasta Dinner

Sunday, August 31:

4:45 am Check In, Body Marking, Bag Check Open

5:45 am Check In Closes/Determine

6:05 am Swimmer Briefing

6:25 am Swimmers Walk to Ferry at Pier 43.5

7:15 am Ferry departs

7:30 am Swim begins 500 ft off Alcatraz

7:45 am Merch sales open

7:55 am Finish line & breakfast opens

9:00 am Last swimmer out of the water



Event schedule

  • Sat, August 30, 2025 5:00 PM - Packet Pickup and Merchandise Sales
  • Sat, August 30, 2025 5:00 PM - Pasta Dinner
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 5:00 AM - Check In, Body Marking, and Bag Check Open
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 6:00 AM - Check In Closes
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 6:20 AM - Swimmer Briefing
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 6:40 AM - Swimmers Walk to Ferries at Pier 43 1/2
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 7:45 AM - Swim Begins 500ft off Alcatraz
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 8:00 AM - Merchandise Sales open
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 8:10 AM - First Swimmers likely cross finish line
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 8:15 AM - Breakfast opens
  • Sun, August 31, 2025 9:15 AM - Last swimmer out of the water

FAQs

  1. When is the Alcatraz Open Swim (formerly known as the Alcatraz Invitational)? The Alcatraz Open Swim will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
  2. How many years has this swim been offered? This will be our 29th year of offering this swim.
  3. What is the water temperature? The San Francisco Bay in late August is typically around 60 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 17 degrees Celsius).
  4. What time is the swim jump? Final jump time will be determined by the test swim before the event but it is anticipated to be 7:45 am.
  5. How can I keep warm in colder water? To help retain body heat and prevent swimmer’s ear infections, South End swimmers often wear earplugs and a thermal cap under the required yellow swim cap you will be given. If you are concerned about being acclimated, you should consider wearing a wetsuit.
  6. Is there a place to store my extra clothing and personal items? Yes, we have a complimentary bag check and will provide the bags for you to put your things.
  7. What does my registration fee include? The registration fee covers the swim, breakfast following the swim, a yellow swim cap you are required to wear, and a branded swag item.
  8. What is the registration fee? There is an Early Bird Registration available through January 31 of $275; Discounted Registration available from February 1 - April 30 of $300; and Registration from May 1 - August 30 is $325. Please keep in mind we have sold out in prior years a month or two prior to the swim date; early registration is highly recommended. RaceRoster also charges a fee of 6.5% + $1.99 per participant.
  9. What is your refund policy? You can purchase a Refund Protection Plan offered by Protecht while completing registration. The cost of the Plan is 8.5% of the registration fee. South End Rowing Club will be unable to provide refunds. Please keep in mind this is a fundraiser for the South End Rowing Club run entirely by club member volunteers.
  10. Can I sell my registration on craigslist? NO. You will be required to show an ID at check-in. Your ID needs to match the name on the registration.
  11. Do you allow event-day registration? We typically do not have same day registrations as we have a limited time to get everyone to the ferry and ready for the swim. Also, the last two years we have sold out and have had a waitlist. If we have no-shows by registered swimmers, we anticipate giving spots to those on the waitlist.
  12. How do I get a discount? The South End does not offer discounts for the Alcatraz Open Swim. This is our annual fundraiser and helps us maintain and improve our over 100+-year-old clubhouse as a fully volunteer organization.
  13. Can I purchase a spectator pass to ride on the boat on the day of the event? No, we only sell spectator passes through RaceRoster in advance of the swim. We will not be accepting any additional spectators.
  14. May my family or friends attend the event? There are a limited number of spectator tickets sold for individuals who accompany swimmers on the ferry, watch the jump, and then return to shore so they can see the swimmers cross the finish line. The ferry does not stay with the swimmers during the swim. Alternatively, family and friends are welcome to cheer you on as you depart for the ferry and similarly do so at the finish line at no cost. If they would like to join you for the brunch, they should purchase a brunch ticket on RaceRoster.
  15. Can I buy a brunch ticket at the event? Brunch is included in the price for swimmers and spectators. Family members may purchase a brunch ticket prior through Registration here on RaceRoster or when swimmers leave for the boat we will begin selling food tickets for $25. Kids under 7 eat free.
  16. How can I change my swim division? Please notify registration when you check in for the event on the day of the swim.
  17. Will there be awards? Yes, we are determining which accomplishments will be given awards. The Awards Ceremony will be held immediately after the breakfast.
  18. Is there a cut-off time for the swim? 90 minutes is the maximum, but we take each swimmer’s situation into consideration and encourage every swimmer to finish. Ultimately, we take direction from the US Coast Guard and San Francisco Police Department as to when to end the swim – especially “in” the shipping channel. Slower swimmers maybe repositioned so they can safely finish the swim.
  19. Are swim fins allowed in the swim? Yes, but please let us know in advance.
  20. Can I swim with a music device? No.
  21. If I have a disability can I still swim in your event? We encourage everyone to swim. We can typically accommodate a person’s specific needs if we know what is needed. We’ve successfully supported swimmers with a wide array of needs. Email sercalcatrazinvitational@gmail.com with your request. Just let us know before the event.
  22. How do I register a swimmer 14 years of age and younger? You are required to get permission for swimmers 14 years and under. Email the event director at sercalcatrazinvitational@gmail.com for specific instructions.

Contact information

Event contact
Maureen Keefe
Email
sercalcatrazinvitational@gmail.com
Website
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