2026 Swim Across the Bay
Swim Across the Bay 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Location: 100 Jody Compretta Dr, Bay Saint Louis, MS, 39520
Start: Henderson Point Boat Launch, 99 W Bayview St, Pass Christian, MS 39571
Finish: Beach north of the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor, 100 Jody Compretta Dr, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Race Description
Swim Across the Bay is a 2‑mile, point‑to‑point open water swim, founded in 2017. Swimmers begin at the Henderson Point Boat Launch and follow a straight route across the bay to the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor pier. All participants and volunteers will receive a Swim Across the Bay race shirt.
Awards & Rules
Top 3 Overall Male & Female. 1st, 2nd, 3rd (Male & Female) in each age group.
Age Groups: Under 15, then every 5 years (15–19, 20–24, …), and 75+
Cutoff: 2 hours (swimmers who do not finish within the cutoff will be picked up by water support)
Participants 17 and younger must have a dedicated volunteer paddler. Kayak escorts are welcome and encouraged.
Gear Guidelines
Allowed: snorkel, personal buoy, other safety equipment
Not allowed: fins, hand paddles, or any propulsion devices
Wetsuits are allowed, but water temperatures are typically 80°F+, which is considered unsafe for wetsuits. A swim cap is required; any cap is fine. A latex cap will be provided if needed. Goggles are strongly recommended.
Parking & Transportation
Participants may park at the finish area. A shuttle will transport swimmers to the start, or swimmers may be dropped off by friends or family.
Event Details
Breakfast items and drinks will be available after the race for all swimmers and volunteers. Volunteers are needed for kayak/paddleboard support. A limited number of boats are available; volunteers with their own equipment are encouraged. All volunteers receive a race shirt.
Registration Fees
- Early-early Bird (until 4/30): $50
- Early Bird (5/1- 7/15): $60
- Regular (7/16–8/28): $65
- Late (8/29–9/13): $75
Packet Pickup
New Orleans Area Early Pickup: Thursday, September 10, Fleet Feet Metairie, 3020 Severn Avenue, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Northshore Area Early Pickup: Friday, September 11, Fleet Feet Covington, 206 Lake Drive, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bay St. Louis Pickup: Saturday, September 12, The Mockingbird Café, 110 S 2nd St, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Race Day Pickup: Henderson Point Boat Launch, 99 W Bayview St, Pass Christian, MS 39571, 5:30 AM – 7:15 AM
Event Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Life happens — weather changes, injuries occur, schedules shift, and unexpected events pop up. Protect your registration with optional event insurance during checkout. Event insurance gives you peace of mind by providing reimbursement if you’re unable to participate for covered reasons such as: Illness or injury, Family emergencies, Work schedule conflicts, Travel delays, And other qualifying unforeseen circumstances. This small one‑time cost can save you from losing your entire race fee if something unexpected comes up. We strongly encourage all participants to consider adding event insurance when registering so you can sign up with confidence.