Open Water Swim Race to Honor Our Veterans
Sign up to swim a 1K, 5K or 10K Individual or 10K Team Relay!
$70 Early Bird Registration
January 1st –
February 28th
SWAM23 Presented By
Saturday, July 15, 2023
at Wellington State Park, on beautiful Newfound Lake, in Bristol, NH, the cleanest lake in the Northeast U.S.A.
1K, 5K and 10K Individual Swims/10K Team Relay Swim
Participate In Person
Honor The Fallen Memorial Swim
Meet U.S. Navy SEALs
Earn Great Fundraising Incentives…The More You Raise The More You Earn
Prizes and Swimmer Awards
Honor and Support Our Veterans
Coffee/Food For Swimmers
Parking On Site
All Swimmers and Volunteers will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Celebration Of Heroes Event on July 16th at Fisher Cat Stadium!
Please show your finisher medal or SWAM2022 Swimmer or Volunteer shirt at the Box Office the day of the event to receive your two (2) complimentary tickets. Event will be at Fisher Cat Stadium in Manchester, NH from 4:00 – 9:30pm.
Each Event Ticket purchased will be redeemable for a complimentary raffle ticket. When you arrive at the park, please look for the raffle area. More raffle tickets will be available for purchase.
See more photos from past events
2023 Swimmer Registration and Fundraising Details
Swimmer Registration Info:
Swimmer Registration Packet will include entry to the race of your choice, a race cap, finisher medal and an event hat!
Fundraising Info:
Incentives will be based on fundraising completed by 7/12 (incentives can be picked up at the swim event). Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just swimmers!
Volunteer Info:
Register to volunteer as Boat Support, Paddle Support or Land Support through the link below. More details in the Volunteer Section.
SWAM To Remember
To honor and remember the 94 New Hampshire soldiers who have died in service to our country since 2001 in the Global War on Terror, we will be sending everyone who registers for the swim a bracelet to wear while training and competing in the event. Each bracelet will have the name, branch, rank and the date each service member made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You can see all of these service members listed on our Honor Wall and learn more about the lives of each fallen hero.
7th Annual Swim With A Mission Race Details
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Distances
- 1K Individual Swim
- 5k Individual Swim
- 5k Honor the Fallen Memorial Swim – 12 spots (Not a race)
- 10K Individual Swim
- 10k Relay (Teams of 3-5 swimmers)
Swimmer Qualifications
- In good health and capable of making the swim distance.
- Strong enough swimmer to hold a consistent pace (based on 100 yards) of 2:00 or better.
- Committed to supporting our veterans and designated charities.
Recognition & Awards
- Awards will be presented to the following finishers: top 3 in each age group in the individual categories and to the top 3 relay teams.
- Special Awards will given to fastest swimmers in each distance.
- Special Recognition will be given to top fundraisers.
General Rules and Details for All Swimmers
- Assistive devices, including masks, fins, snorkels, swim buoys and paddles are NOT allowed.
- Open water safety buoys are allowed.
- Swimmers are NOT permitted to wear headphones during the race.
- We suggest you bring your own nutrition since all swimmers have different needs.
- USAT Wetsuit rules apply for use of wetsuits.
USAT Wetsuit Rules
- USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
- USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.
- If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may not wear wetsuits.
1K, 5K and 10K Individual Details
- Beach start…timing chips must go over start/finish.
- Out and back course (see map).
- Swim in clockwise direction…always stay on left of buoys.
- Large yellow buoy at each distance turn around.
- There will be support boats at the 5K and 10K turnarounds with water and some food.
- Paddlers and support boats will be along the course for safety and support. You may bring your own paddler although this is not required. ALL Paddlers and Support Boats must register through the Volunteer Registration.
5K Honor The Fallen Memorial Swim
- 12 Spots Available
- Not a race
- Memorial swim to honor our fallen service members
10K Team Relay Details
- Beach start for all relay swimmers. One timing chip per team which will be transferred between swimmers.
- Team members not swimming will remain on beach.
- Each lap equals .31miles or .5K (20 laps equal 10K) (see map).
- Swimmer must cross start/finish time pad at the beginning of each lap.
- Every swimmer needs to swim at least one lap.
- There will be paddlers along the route for your safety.
Swim Route
- See Map
Volunteer Information
We could not do this fabulous event without the help of volunteers. All volunteers MUST register online through the link VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION.
Paddlers
You will choose your distance 1K, 5K and 10K as well as to be along the 10K Relay Course. You can also choose to be a race leader or a follower. The leader will need to be able to stay on pace with the lead swimmer in that distance and the follower will need to stay behind the last swimmer in that distance. You must have your own kayak or SUP and need to be ready to go before the pre-race meeting begins at 7:00AM
Boat Support
We will need safety boats along course and stationed at turnaround buoys. You will remain out on the course for the entire race, until the last swimmer has gone by. You will meet the boat coordinator out in Wellington Bay at about 6:45AM.
Land Volunteer
Please sign up for a time slot and we will assign you to a job when you arrive.
All Swimmers and Volunteers will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Celebration Of Heroes Event on July 16th at Fisher Cat Stadium!
Please show your finisher medal or SWAM2022 Swimmer or Volunteer shirt at the Box Office the day of the event to receive your two (2) complimentary tickets. Event will be at Fisher Cat Stadium in Manchester, NH from 4:00 – 9:30pm.
Each Event Ticket purchased will be redeemable for a complimentary raffle ticket. When you arrive at the park, please look for the raffle area. More raffle tickets will be available for purchase.
Fundraising
Swim With A Mission is a fundraiser to support Veterans. We encourage all participants to fundraise to the best of their abilities. Every dollar helps! When you register you will automatically receive a link to a fundraising page. Please use this link to create a unique page for your supporters. Please fundraise through the link that is created through Pledgereg or send funds directly to us payable to Swimming With A Mission Inc and clearly note who should receive the credit for the donation. Fundraising is done as individuals and recognition will be given to the top fundraisers at the event. All incentives will be based on fundraising completed by 7/12 and can be picked up at the swim event. Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just swimmers!
Fundraising Incentives:
- SWAM Special Edition Silicone Swim Cap for any individual that raises $250
- SWAM T-Shirt for any individual who raises at least $500
- SWAM Swim Buoy for any individual that raises at least $1000
- SWAM Hoodie Sweatshirt for any individual that raises at least $2500
- 2 Tickets to the Navy SEAL Gold Star Tribute Dinner & Auction to any individual that raises more than $5000
Tailor Made Wetsuit Raffle:
Here’s how it works: For every $250 you raise, you will get one entry for the raffle. For example, if you raise $1000 you will get 4 entries.
Wetsuit Description:
This is a made to measure wetsuit; a perfect fit. But, it doesn’t stop there. Included in the prize is a measurement fitting and swim consultation. The winner will share their swimming routine, how often they swim open water, how far, what seasons and conditions, etc… That allows Open Soul Swimming to understand your body position, arm position and other unique parts of your stroke. With that information they will be able to customize buoyancy and stretch to be perfect for your swim. They will custom order material from the Yamamoto Corporation in Japan using the highest grades of Yamomoto limestone neoprene (#45), quality levels not found in any mass-produced wetsuit. When the material is received, it will be custom cut, glued and sewn at their shop in Massachusetts. The raffle winner will receive their wetsuit by mail, or hand delivery, from us with pride. It will be the most comfortable, and fastest, wetsuit you can buy!
Paddler and Boat Info
Safety is our #1 concern!
We depend on all swimmers, paddlers, boat captains and volunteers to know and follow the safety rules at all times.
- Boats will be driven at headway speed and maintain a safe distance from the swimmers and paddlers. We recommend 15 – 20 feet.
- Paddlers will remain 5 – 10 feet from the swimmers and act as the navigator to help keep the swimmers on the course. No swimmer should ever be left alone on the course.
- Boat captains and paddlers will be vigilant to deter spectator boats from driving into or through the swim course.
- Each paddler needs to be ready for support and on the course at the start of each race.
Paddlers should come to the race prepared:
- Dress in layers to account for a colder start and warmer temperatures later in the day
- Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun
- Must have their own kayak or SUP
- Bring a cell phone in a plastic bag. We will provide you with an emergency cell phone number to call if there is a problem or if you have questions
- Bring 2 life preservers, one for you and one for any potential swimmer that needs a rescue
- Food and drink for yourself
- Bring a cup in case you have to use the bathroom (we are not kidding)
- A swimmer might ask you to carry food and liquids for them to be administered during the swim. Please work together with your swimmer to provide them the best assistance.
Parking
There will be NO Public Parking for the event inside Wellington State Park.
There is no on street parking allowed on West Shore Road.
Please park in one of our designated parking lots.
Satellite Parking and Shuttles Will Be Available From 5:30AM-5:00PM**
Thank you to Easter Seals/Veterans Counts for organizing our parking volunteers and providing the Shuttle Buses!
There are 4 Lots Available…
457 West Shore Road (Open 05:30-17:00)
22 Hemp Hill Road (Open 5:30AM-17:00) VOLUNTEERS ONLY
Freudenberg Lot, 450 Pleasant Street (Open 10:00-17:00)
Village Pizza of Bristol, 825 Lake Street (Open 10:00-17:00)
Vendors and Booth Holders will be given ONE parking pass so please plan accordingly.
SWAM would like to thank the following sponsors for the donation of land for our much-needed overflow parking lot.
Event Schedule
This is a TENTATIVE schedule…updates will be made as the event is closer.
| Prerace Meeting | 07:00 |
|---|---|
| Races Begin | 07:30 |
| Swim Awards | Around 11:00 |
FAQ
Do we have to pay to get into Wellington State Park?
No, there will be no entrance fee.
Is parking available at the Park?
Yes!
Is Same Day Registration Allowed?
Yes, based on availability. Online registration closes on 7/14.
How can I volunteer for the event?
Go to Volunteer Registration 2021 to register.
Can I wear a wetsuit?
We will post water temperature the day of the race. See wetsuit rules.
Can I make a donation to Swim With A Mission?
Yes, thank you for your support. On our website there is a Donate Button with full details of how to donate. There will also be donation boxes scattered around the event.
Fundraising Support
Welcome to the 2021 Swim With a Mission fundraising campaign. Here are a few helpful hints to achieve success.
Make a List
Lists are great, they simplify, clarify and streamline your efforts. The first place to start is from your mobile devices. Include all your contacts and emails. More is better.
- All your relatives, every single one of them; $20 from each will add up very quickly.
- Work colleagues, let everyone know about this great event. Don’t forget to ask about matching contributions.
- Neighbors, any club you belong to: book clubs, tennis teams, cross fit groups, gun clubs, running friends, networking groups, religious organizations, VFW Halls, KOC memberships, any place you volunteer, PTA and of course swimming buddies.
- Anyone you pay; your accountant, plumber, electrician, mechanic, painter.
Creative Ideas
Instead of birthday/holiday gifts ask for a donation.
Play a board game, card game, dice, pool, darts or left right center with a group of friends and the winner donates the cash.
If permitted keep a change jar on your desk at work, with a large sign, and ask people to contribute loose change left over from lunch/coffee.
Restaurant Fundraisers. Contact local restaurants, bars or other proprietors and see if they will donate back a portion of the proceeds to SWAM.
Host a cocktail party or barbecue to support your mission. You are asking for help and support. Keep it simple, light on food and heavy on donations.
Make the Ask
Start small. Make the first ask to someone you know will donate, next to the person you think will help and continue from there. You are doing this for a great cause.
Communicate Via:
Email Text Telephone In Person Handwritten Note
Use your social media outlets:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snap and any other ways you communicate. Videos are a great way to capture interest. Perhaps include photos or a video of you training, at the gym, drinking a protein shake, a picture of your new swim goggles, your flip flops, have fun with this.
@swimwithamssion #swimwithamission Facebook
Communicate and Communicate Again
Donors are often willing but busy and typically have to be reminded before they commit to helping you. Our Military protects everyone and our Veterans need and deserve our help. Mention the recipients: The Navy SEAL Museum, Veterans Count, Dan Healy Foundation to name a few.
Thank You
Don’t forget to say thank you. It is always a good idea to personally thank each person who donates by sending them a handwritten note, an email, a phone call, or give them a shout-out on social media.
Extra Help
Please contact us with any questions, we are here to help!
Company Gift Programs
Remember many companies match gifts…please contact your employer to see if they have a matching gift program.
Race Results from the Swim Events
Congratulations to all of our winners, placers and finishers.
2022 Results
Thank you for realizing how important this event is to our Veterans every year. You are making a difference!