Registration Still Open For Fourth Annual Swim For Alligator Lighthouse

In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, a portion of the field of about 200 registered entrants begins the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse open water contest Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, off Islamorada, Fla. The 9-mile challenge on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Keys island chain is being staged to create awareness of the need to preserve six aging lighthouses off the Keys that no longer serve as primary navigation aids for maritime traffic. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO)

Photo Courtesy: Andy Newman

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Over 200 individual and relay team swimmers are expected at the fourth annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Saturday, Sept. 17, a unique open-ocean challenge in Atlantic waters off Islamorada.

Individuals and two- and four-person teams have up to seven hours to complete the 9-mile roundtrip course. Individuals must show proof of completing a prior 1,650-meter or 1-mile swim in 35 minutes or less to compete as an individual.

The course features an in-water start and a beach finish, ending shoreside at the event’s headquarters, The Moorings Village & Spa resort at 123 Beach Road in Islamorada.

The Challenge is unique to the world of open water swimming in that it features:

* changes in water temperature. Because the swim requires athletes to swim from shore to 4.5 miles into the open ocean, there is a significant noticeable difference in water temperature.
* current changes. At least 3 different opportunities for a current change as swimmers will swim on a sandy and grassy bottom, then through a crossing channel, and finally over a reef.
* tidal changes. The best swimmers can finish the swim in about 3 hours 30 minutes, but many take nearly 6 hours. Full tidal cycles take 6 hours, so changes in the water are always present.
* wildlife. Unlike most channels that are heavily trafficked and wildlife is not really seen, swimmers are almost guaranteed to see sharks, colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and moon jellyfish.

First- through third-place solo and two-person team finishers are to win cash prizes and trophies in male and female divisions overall. Other prizes also are to be awarded in sunset ceremonies to begin at 6 p.m. at the Moorings Village beach.

Registration and check-in are set for 2-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. Swimmer starts are to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, in heats. All racers must exit the water by 3 p.m.

Entry fee is $150 per solo swimmer, $120 per person for two-person teams and $90 per swimmer on four-person relay teams. The field is limited to a total of 400 swimmers. Admission for spectators is free.

Athletes, support crews, family and friends are encouraged to arrive ahead of the race weekend and/or stay longer for a bonus Florida Keys Flip Flop Experience, offering a passport to explore Islamorada area activities including a free Thursday Art Walk, a scavenger hunt and local attractions, dining and water adventures.

Passports are to be available for download online at www.swimalligatorlight.com/flipflop/ starting Sept. 11, or can be picked up in person at the Florida Keys Brewing Co., the Ron Levy Aquatic Center and other Islamorada locations.

Specially priced Islamorada accommodations are available to participating swimmers.

Event information: swimalligatorlight.com

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS

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Press release courtesy of Swim for Alligator Lighthouse

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