| How many miles is the swim? |
| The swim is approximately 3 miles across the Hudson River (depending upon tides and currents). |
| What time do I have to “Check-In”? |
Check-in time for the 1 mile swim will be 8AM- 9AM and check-in time for the 3 mile swim will be 9AM- 10AM. Check-in will be at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow. All swimmers, and kayakers must check-in before and after the swim.
All swimmers taking part in the 3 mile swim will be bused over to the Nyack start. Swimmers will be provided an electronic tracking chip at the time of check-in. This chip is to be worn at all times and until you have completed the swim. |
| Will there be a safety meeting prior to the event? |
Yes! On Wednesday September 9th at 6pm there will be a mandatory Safety meeting for all participants. It will be held at Sleepy Hollow High School's auditorium.Pledges will be collected at this meeting. Please feel free to hand in any donations that you have raised at this meeting.
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| Will there be an opening ceremony? |
The opening ceremony will take place at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow at 10AM
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| Q. What is the temperature of the water? |
Typically during early September, the temperature is between 72-74 degrees.
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| Do I need to wear a wetsuit? |
It is not mandatory that you wear a wetsuit; we leave the choice of wearing one to your discretion. If participating in the race, you will not be eligible for an award if you wear a wetsuit.
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| Are children allowed to participate in the swim? |
Yes. Many young people have applied and have been approved to participate in the Swim. There have been swimmers as young as 8 years old cross the river. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied to the swim with a parent or guardian and they are responsible for retrieving them.
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Where do I go for “Check-In”?
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All participants including swimmers, kayakers, and volunteers must “Check-In” at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow. Check-in times TBA. Boaters will check in with our boat safety captain at a designated time and spot TBA.
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What if I can’t complete the swim?
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| You will have 3 hours to complete the 3 mile swim. There will be kayakers and boats in the water to assist swimmers. If need be, you will be brought back to the shore on one of these support vessels. |
Is the water quality tested?
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Yes. The Westchester County Health Dept. tests the water at the Matthiessen Park beach in Irvington once every two weeks beginning Memorial Day and ending Labor Day.
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| Is there a minimum pledge? |
| Yes. There are minimum pledge requirements. These minimum pledges must be met to participate in the event. Swimmers are required to raise $350 (in addition to the $25 registration fee) to be handed in either on or before the day of the swim. Kayakers are also encouraged to raise funds. If you do not raise your pledge minimum, your credit card will be charged after the event. * Families consisting of 3 or more swimmers will be able to take part in our Family Discount Plan of $250 per person. |
| Can I wear a snorkel? |
| No. Wearing a snorkel eliminates your ability to have a line of sight and to swim in a straight line. |
| Can I use flippers? |
No. Flippers are not allowed
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| Should I bring my own swim cap? |
Swim caps will be provided and MUST be worn at all times.
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| Will there be food and beverages served? |
There will be a free breakfast and lunch served to all registered swim/kayak/participants, as well as volunteers.
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| Will there be food available for purchase by spectators? |
Yes. There will be food available for purchase by spectators.
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| Are there activities for the spectators? |
Yes. There will be music, entertainment and activities which are family friendly, please bring the kids!
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| What do we do if it is inclement weather? |
There is no rain date for the event. Please check weather reports and come prepared.
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| How do I prepare for the swim? |
We will mail all registered participants training tips, as well as post them on our website These tips are provided by area swim coaches.
We have been granted special access to certain area pools for registered and approved swimmers to train. Once you have submitted your swim application and have been approved, you will be sent a swim participant card. Use this card in your starter kit to gain access to the participating pools.
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| I’d like to apply to kayak, do I need a kayak to participate? |
| No. If you have your own kayak we encourage you to use it. Kayak rentals are also available through Hudson River Recreation, (914) 682-5135. Reserve early as the number of kayaks available for rent is limited. |
| I’d like to volunteer for this event, what should I do? |
| Great! The success of The Hudson River Swim For Life™ greatly relies on the participation of our many volunteers. You can register to volunteer by contacting Diandra Kodl at (914) 949-0084, ext 8993 or by e-mail at diandra.kodl@lls.org. Opportunities for volunteering are listed on the volunteer pages of this site. |
