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Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Solo Swimmer & Support Kayaker
September 7, 2024
Islamorada, FL, 33036, US
“The 8-mile swim to Alligator Lighthouse is a challenge. It’s not for the faint of heart"
How it started
When World Renowned Artist, Lighthouse Larry decided to swim, in his native town of Islamorada, to Alligator Lighthouse and back, alone and self-supported, his friends thought he was crazy. When he then said out loud “every open water swimmer should experience this,” Larry became the anchor to the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse.
The Fighting Manatee Swim Club, the Masters swim club of Islamorada, accepted the challenge to present a world class open water swim event in the Florida Keys. The Fighting Manatees presented the Inaugural Swim for Alligator Lighthouse in 2013. It’s here to stay!
Proceeds from the swim benefit the Friends of the Pool in Islamorada, providing scholarships for high school students. They also supports investments towards the preservation of Alligator Light. The Swim brings awareness to treasured Historic Lighthouses on Florida’s Coastal Waterways. Friends of the Pool is an all volunteer 501c3 organization.
Race Overview
The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse is an 8-mile open water swim. The Swim starts at the host hotel, Amara Cay Resort. Participants swim 4 miles, circle Alligator Lighthouse, and swim 4 miles back to Amara Cay Resort. The event is open to solo swimmers, 2 person, 3 person and 4 person teams. Every solo or relay team requires a support kayak. Solo swimmers will need to enlist a kayaker to accompany them the entire race, while relay groups will alternate kayaking with swimming.
Full Event Details can be found at https://www.swimalligatorlight.com/
The Swim for Alligator Lighthouse is a celebrated solo swimming event held annually on September 7th in Islamorada, Florida. Established to commemorate a local legend and raise funds for community initiatives, this race has become a cornerstone of the open water swimming calendar. Participants, both seasoned athletes and dedicated amateurs, will undertake a challenging open water swim to the iconic Alligator Lighthouse. This event is designed for individual swimmers, each accompanied by their own dedicated support kayaker, emphasizing safety and personal achievement. Competitors can anticipate a demanding swim through the waters of Florida Bay, typically characterized by variable conditions. Expect warm temperatures, potential currents, and the ever-present possibility of marine life encounters, including the namesake alligators (though usually observed at a safe distance and not in the direct swimming path). The course navigates open water with the distinct visual landmark of Alligator Lighthouse serving as the ultimate destination. The unique aspect of this event is its focus on the solo swimmer and their immediate support, fostering a deeply personal and self-reliant race experience.
⚠️ AI-generated content may be inaccurate or outdated. Please verify details with official race sources before making decisions.
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