Swim Across America - Long Island Sound

The waters of the Long Island Sound at Larchmont represent a complex interplay of tidal movement and coastal geography. As you navigate the harbor, you will encounter depths varying from roughly 12 feet at the entrance to 6 feet near the shore, a characteristic that requires swimmers to remain aware of the seafloor landscape throughout their effort. The entrance to this harbor is split by the Hen and Chickens reef, a formation that becomes partially exposed during low tide and serves as a natural boundary for the channel. Just to the west, Horseshoe Harbor presents a distinct navigational hazard: a rock located 60 yards off the western entrance point that is marked by a private spindle and can, appearing bare as the tide recedes.

Historical and natural context

Swimming through these waters places you in a channel of deep history. In 1614, a Dutch ship captain documented seeing campfires lit by the Siwanoy indigenous people along the shoreline of what is now Manor Park. Today, as you traverse the course, you can observe the distinctive striated rock formations that define that same 5,000-foot stretch of the coast. Below the surface, the Premium River-Pine Brook Wetlands act as a vital nursery for species such as striped bass, bluefish, and winter flounder, often visible alongside migratory osprey and duck populations in the shallows.

Race day logistics

The event, established in 1992, remains a staple of the local swimming calendar. Participants can choose between 2K, 5K, and 10K distances, with the latter requiring committee approval and prior 5K experience to ensure safety in the open channel. Because the harbor remains active with small yacht moorings during the summer, the event relies on a robust network of kayak escorts and stationary inflatables to mark the path. All swimmers must be out of the water by 10:15 am to comply with strict harbor police and Coast Guard regulations, a window that necessitates a prompt start. For those seeking different conditions, the Fairfield County Open Water Swim occurs in June, offering a separate challenge in these same coastal waters before the height of the summer season. While the 10K category provides a personal kayaker for every athlete, all swimmers 14 and under are required to wear a safety buoy. Wetsuits are mandatory if the water temperature drops below 19.4 °C (67 °F), reflecting the unpredictable nature of the Sound.