Swim Description
Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a unique open water swim event on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that works to protect the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed.
Whether you’re a serious swimmer looking for a timed event, a triathlete wanting to practice in open water, a recreational swimmer setting a personal goal for your swimming, or someone passionate about water quality and making a difference locally, the Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is an exciting, challenging, and fun celebration of clean and healthy water in our region.
The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is a fundraiser for The Watershed Center, a nonprofit that advocates for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and acts to protect and preserve the bay's watershed. Each swimmer is responsible for raising at least $250, though no fundraising experience is required - we'll support you on your fundraising journey with tools, templates, and tips.
Fundraising Minimum & Deadline
All swimmers are required to fundraise or donate a minimum of $250 to their fundraiser by August 6, 2026. If you are under this amount, your credit card on file will be charged on the morning of August 7 for the difference. For example, if you raise $210 by August 6, your card will be charged $40 on August 7.
While the required fundraising minimum is due August 6, 2026, your fundraiser will stay open until August 9 if you would like to continue fundraising over the required minimum.
Schedule
The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay starts at 8am, with check-in beginning at 7am and a mandatory safety briefing at 7:45am.
All swimmers and support paddlers must check in at the start line even if you already picked up your event packet. Event organizers will write you swimmer/paddler number of the back of your hand and shoulder (if visible).
Swimmers that have not completed the course within 2 hours of the start will be escorted out of the water.
Timing
Although the Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is not a sanctioned event, timing services are provided. Awards will be given in wetsuit and non-wetsuit categories to the top male and female swimmers in various age groups. Swimmers can access their results after the event.
Safety
We work with the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and local Emergency Management, Marine Patrol, Law Enforcement, and Fire/EMS to ensure safety from start to finish. Motorized safety boats will monitor the entire course and lifeguards and medical personnel will be on site.
Out experienced Safety Squad will ensure swimmer safety along the course. They act as spotters and support swimmers along the course in obtaining evacuation or medical assistance from a rescue boat. Swimmers are also encouraged to have a support kayakers accompany them, traveling just outside a paddle's length away to remain close enough to immediately assist in the event of an emergency.
A mandatory safety meeting will occur at 7:45am for all participants, including swimmers, paddlers, and support personnel. Swimmers must wear the numbered swim cap provided, have their race number on their hand, and follow all announced safety rules without exception.
Wetsuits & Additional Gear
Wetsuits or technical suits are allowed, as well as other swimming gear such as snorkels, fins, and kickboards. Swimmers using a wetsuit or other swimming gear must inform the event organizers when you check in the day of the event. Swimmers wearing wetsuits are still eligible for prizes, but those using additional gear to not quality for timed prizes (fundraising prizes still apply).
Weather
August temperatures in northern Michigan average a high in the mid to upper 70s, with lows in the high 50s to 60s. Expect water temperatures to be in the upper 60s to low 70s depending on how warm of a summer we have.
Every effort will be made to hold the Swim on the date and time it is scheduled. We will swim rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather such as lightning or a serious storm, the event may be postponed up to 2 hours in hopes the weather will pass. However, if bad weather does not pass and swimmer safety comes into question, the event will be cancelled. If that is the case, there will be no refunds, credits, or transfers with no exceptions. You agree to this weather policy when you register for this event.
