FAQs

What should I bring on my swim?
Come ready with your wetsuit up to your waist, or fully set and warm clothing on top. Bring a towel and change of clothes, goggles, thick silicone or a hood, earplugs, warm cap and something warm to drink after the swim is nice. A coach will watch over your belongings while you swim. Please do not bring valuables to the practice. If this is your first time, bring signed waiver. This waiver is good for the whole season. You may fill out the waiver online.

Are there sharks in the Bay or in the Cove?
There are no life threatening sharks in the cove, although there are small sharks that are bottom feeders, they are not interested in swimmers. People have been swimming in the bay for decades without incident. The biggest concern is hypothermia.

If it rains, do we still swim?
Unless it's a hurricane, you're going to be wet anyway, so yes, we will be swimming in rain or shine!

Why can't we jump off Alcatraz?
As Alcatraz is partly a bird sanctuary, boats, kayaks, and the people on them are prohibited from getting within 100 meters of Alcatraz, especially from February through September which is breeding season. Water World Swim respects the environment, aiming to keep the sport of open water swimming a live collaboration between the athletes and the oceans. Read More.

Do you organize private and group swims?
Yes! If you or your team/group would like to attempt one of our courses privately or complete and Alcatraz crossing, we can help supply the permits and schedule a date. Private and group swims must be planned several months in advance.