Wild Fish Swim Festival

Details: This annual community open water swim event typically attracts an average of 200 swimmers split between three different distances. The temperature of the water is typically about 66 degrees F. The swim takes place in a calm, protected cove,  and is well supported with at least a dozen volunteers in kayaks/paddleboarders. Cozy unisex t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants pre-registered by August 1st. Latex swim caps will be provided for all swimmers. If you are allergic to latex, please feel free to bring your own.

Distances: 1/2 Mile, 1 Mile and 2 Mile 

Time: 10:00AM start (Registration/Packet pickup opens at 08:45AM)

Location: Collins Cove Beach, Salem, MA. (GPS 102 Webb St. Salem, MA) Collins Cove is located on Webb Street which is off Bridge Street. Follow signs to Salem Willows and you will see us. We are the cove on the left heading towards the Willows.

Wave Start Times:
10:00 AM – 2 Mile Swimmers
10:05AM – 1 Mile Swimmers
10:15 AM – ½ Mile Swimmers

Course Distances:
1/2 mile 
1 mile
2 mile 

Award Categories:
Top 3 M/F Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1 and 2 Mile
Top 3 M/F Non-Wetsuit in each swim distance - 1/2, 1 and 2 Mile
No Double Dipping


Post Race Festivities: Several packaged food items, fruit and iced coffee will be available for swimmers. We encourage you to head downtown Salem where there are several restaurants, bars, cafes and boutique shops that are worth checking out. If you’re looking for breakfast or a post-swim beverage we recommend visiting Brothers Taverna or LongBoards Restaurant depending on what you're looking for! 

Parking: Street parking along the beach is limited, neighborhood parking is available. All overflow parking will be at Bentley School Parking lot (25 Memorial Drive, Salem, MA). Athletes, please follow the newly paved walking path directly across from the school parking lot to the race site.

Special Details and Information:
No floaties, fins or paddles allowed. Inflatable buoys are allowed. There will be plenty of kayakers, paddleboarders, emergency boats in the water for athlete safety. In the event there is not enough interest in any one of the distances or categories listed above, event organizers reserve the right to change/cancel or modify the category. In this case, refunds and transfers are eligible.

Distance or Category Changes: If you do change your mind about the category you pre-registered for or the distance you’d like to swim, please email [email protected] in advance or notify someone at race day registration. A change fee may apply.

Water Temperature Guidelines: FINA’s Open Water Swim rules tell us that the lower limit for water temperature (measured 1 m below the surface) is 16 degrees C (60.8 F). If the water temperature is lower, the event may be shortened or canceled. This figure of 16 degrees C is based on the fact that both male and female swimmers will not experience dangerous declines in body temperature in water temperatures of 16 degrees C or higher when swimming at typical open water race speeds.

The minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional is 14 degrees C (57.2 degrees F)
At temperatures less than 12 degrees C (53.6 degrees F) the swim will be canceled.

Weather:  In the case of event cancellation due to public safety, inclement weather, unsafe waters or some other unforeseen power at be due to tide schedules the event will not be rescheduled. 

Questions: Please email B&S Event Management at [email protected] or call 978-204-8588.