Start planning for the Open Water Swim!
2024 – Sunday, September 1
2025 – Saturday, June 14
2025 – Sunday, August 31
Key West Open Water Swims
800 yard, 1 mile, and 2 mile
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025
The Open Water Swims will begin after the start of The College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West. The race will begin at Smathers Beach (2000 South Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040). The race starts and ends in the water. Swimmers will start at the buoy located in the water and swim toward the buoy = tied around the first pole. Swimmers will swim the around all the buoys in the area and return to start. The water depth around the poles is 5-10 feet. During the race, you will swim in pristine waters in the Atlantic Ocean. You can see fish, coral and even some turtles if you look close enough. Dolphins may try to join the race, however the best sight will of course be the mermaids/mermen swimming with you on your journey. (That is a separate category)
For this journey, you do not need your own support crew. There are buoys to mark the poles and lifeguards for safety in kayaks and boats.
The Award ceremony for the 800 yard, 1 mile and 2 mile event will be immediately after the completion of the 2 mile swim.
Swim Around Key West Open Water Swims: 800 yd, 1 mile, and 2 mile
Location: The Atlantic Ocean in front of Smathers Beach – 2000 South Roosevelt Blvd
Course: Start in swimming area and swim east toward pilings. Swim around piling and return to starting point.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Check in: 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Race Start: 9:30 am
The 800 yard swim will begin first. The 1 mile and 2 mile race will begin after the 800 yard swim is complete.
Fees: $45.00 per person for the 800 yard swim, 1 mile or 2 mile race.
**all fees include a cap and t-shirt.
**$5 discount for all members of USA swimming and USMS swimming
After finishing the race, enjoy Smathers Beach and sites of Key West.
Swim Around Key West Open Water Swims: 800 yd, 1 mile, and 2 mile
Location: The Atlantic Ocean in front of Smathers Beach – 2000 South Roosevelt Blvd
Course: Start in swimming area and swim east toward pilings. Swim around piling and return to starting point.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Check in: 7:30 am – 8:15 am
Race Start: 8:30 am
The 800 yard swim will begin first. The 1 mile race will begin 10 minutes upon completion of the 800yd race. The 2 mile race will begin 10 minutes upon completion of the 1 mile race. This is a chance to compete in all races if you choose to “Do It All”.
Fees: $40.00 per person for the 800 yard swim, 1 mile or 2 mile race
$60 for the Do It All
**all fees include a cap and t-shirt.
**$5 discount for all members of USA swimming and USMS swimming
After finishing the race, enjoy Higgs Beach and sites of Key West.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Check in: 8:45 am – 9:15 am
Race Start: 9:30 am
The 800 yard swim will begin first. The 1 mile race will begin 10 minutes upon completion of the 800yd race. The 2 mile race will begin 10 minutes upon completion of the 1 mile race. This is a chance to compete in all races if you choose to “Do It All”.
Fees: $45.00 per person for the 800 yard swim, 1 mile or 2 mile race
$60 for the Do It All
**all fees include a cap and t-shirt.
**$5 discount for all members of USA swimming and USMS swimming
After finishing the race, enjoy Higgs Beach and sites of Key West.
Rules / Safety Info
Safety
Lifeguards and kayaks will be positioned throughout the course
Rules
- Swimmers may not stand on or push off the bottom of the ocean floor
- A Swimmer is required to end race upon notification by Race official or US Coast Guard
- Violation of rules may subject swimmer(s) to disqualification. Meet director has final authority
- Swimmers may not promote third party sponsors, causes, or charities unless pre-approved by Meet Director
- This is a warm water race. Wetsuits are not permitted
Checklist
- Swim Caps provided are required for the safety of the swimmers
Questions
Contact Lori Bosco at (305) 809-3562 or lori.bosco@cfk.edu
