2021 Swimmer Registration and Fundraising Details

*All of those participants that registered last year before we changed to a virtual event (and did not request cancelation) will be eligible for a free entry this year. You will receive a unique coupon code. These codes will be a 100% discount to SWAM21. Please register as normal and enter your code.

Registration will include entry to the race of your choice, a race cap, finisher medal and an event t-shirt (only guaranteed if you register before 5/31). Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 men and women finishers and the top 3 relay teams. Special awards will be given to the top winners in each race distance.

All incentives will be based on fundraising completed by 7/8 (incentives given out at event based on fundraising completed by 7/3). Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just swimmers!

SWAM TO REMEMBER

To honor and remember the 92 New Hampshire soldiers who have died in service to our country since 2001 in the Global War on Terror, we will be sending everyone who registers for SWAM21 (Live or Virtual) a bracelet to wear while training and competing in the event. Each bracelet will have the name, branch, rank and the date each service member made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You can see all 92 of these service members listed on our Honor Wall and learn more about the lives of each fallen hero.

Distances

• 10k Relay (Teams of 3-5 swimmers)
• 10k individual swim
• 5k individual swim
• 1k individual swim

Swimmer Qualifications

1. In good health and capable of making the swim distance
2. Strong enough swimmer to hold a consistent pace (based on 100 yards) of 1:50 or better
3. Committed to supporting our veterans and designated charities
4. Each relay team will have at least 3 swimmers, but no more than 5
5. Fundraising is not required, but highly encouraged! To further motivate our swimmers, there will be fundraising incentives

Recognition & Awards

• The top fundraising individuals will get special recognition.
• Official Swim With A Mission Awards will be presented to the following finishers: top 3 in the men’s and woman’s individual categories and top 3 relay teams.

USAT Wetsuit Rules

• USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
• USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.
• If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may not wear wetsuits.

General Rules and Details for All Swimmers

• Swim Buoys and Assistive devices, including masks, fins, snorkels, and paddles are NOT allowed.
• Swimmers are NOT permitted to wear headphones during the race.
• USAT Wetsuit rules apply for use of wetsuits

1K, 5K and 10K Individual Details

• Water starts for each distance
• Out and back course (see map)
• Swim in clockwise direction…always stay on left of buoys
• Buoy at each distance turn around
• There will be support boats at the 5K and 10K turnarounds.
• Paddlers and support boats will be along the course for safety and support. ALL Paddlers and Support Boats must register through the Volunteer Registration

10K Team Relay Details

• Beach start for all relay swimmers
• Team members not swimming will remain on beach
• Each lap equals .31miles or .5K (20 laps equal 10K) (see map)
• Swimmer must cross start/finish time pad at the beginning of each lap
• Every swimmer needs to swim at least one lap
• There will be paddlers along the route for your safety

Swim Route

• All swim races will begin and end at Wellington State Park.

Swim With A Mission Virtual Event Details

How The Virtual Swim Works

1. Register for Virtual SWAM21 and choose your desired swim or paddle distance (1K, 5K, 10K individual).
2. Complete your swim or paddle distance between July 1st and July 31st in any body of water you want. You can choose to complete the swim/paddle once or as many times as you want. You can also complete your swim in one go or over multiple sessions. Swimmers will get a link to enter swim distance and times each day if chosen. You will also get a link weekly to enter your best time of the week and we will have a leaderboard, so you will be able to track your progress versus other swimmers.
3. Each swimmer will be asked to swim for a specific service member who lost their life in the line of duty. This campaign is called “SWAM To Remember” and every registered swimmer will receive a bio and story connected to the service member they are matched with. Swimmers will also receive a bracelet personalized to their fallen hero. See below for more info on this.
4. We encourage all virtual participants to take pictures and videos of their Virtual SWAM21 and post them on social media to show support for our Veterans and inspire others to join. Everyone who does this will be entered into a raffle to win some amazing prizes! See below for raffle details.

How The SEAL Team NH Challenge Works

A well known Navy SEAL Admiral was talking about how important it is to keep promises. In order to keep promises to others, you first need to keep promises to yourself. So, when asked for an example of how to demonstrate that, he said, try this:

1. 1. Every day, for 20 days in July, the last thing you do before you go to bed at night and the first thing you do when you wake up: 20 push ups and 20 sit ups. Sounds simple, but be warned, the Admiral says less than 5% of people can actually complete this.
   2. We have a second option for you: pick 1 day in July and at the top of every hour, for 20 hours in a row, you do 20 push-up’s. That will add up to 400 push up’s in one very long day with minimal sleep! Remember you only do 20 at a time. You can also complete the pushups from your knees. This is both a mental and physical challenge! Are you up for it?

Volunteer Information

We could not do this fabulous event without the help of volunteers. All volunteers MUST register online through the link VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Paddlers: You will choose your distance 1K, 5K and 10K as well as to be along the 10K Relay Course. You can also choose to be a race leader or a follower. The leader will need to be able to stay on pace with the lead swimmer in that distance and the follower will need to stay behind the last swimmer in that distance. We will also need some kayakers for during the afternoon. You must have your own kayak or SUP and need to be ready to go before the pre-race meeting begins at 7:00AM

Boat Support: We will need food and safety boats along course and stationed a turnaround buoys. You will remain out on the course for the entire race or until the last swimmer. You will meet the boat coordinator out in Wellington Bay at about 7:00AM.

Land Volunteer: Please sign up for a time slot and we will assign you to a job when you arrive.

Fundraising

Swim With A Mission is a fundraiser to help Veterans so we encourage all to fundraise to the best of their abilities. Every dollar helps! When you register you will automatically receive a link to a fundraising page. Please use this link to create a unique page for your supporters. Please fundraise through the link that is created through Pledgereg or send funds directly to us payable to Swimming With A Mission Inc and clearly note who should receive the credit for the donation. Fundraising is done as individuals and recognition will be given to the top fundraisers at the event. All incentives will be based on fundraising completed by 7/8 (incentives given out at event based on fundraising completed by 7/3). Remember, EVERYONE can fundraise, not just swimmers!

Individual Fundraising Incentives:

• SWAM Special Edition Silicone Swim Cap for any individual that raises $250
• SWAM Hat for any individual who raises at least $500
• SWAM Towel for any individual who raises at least $750
• SWAM Swim Bag for any individual that raises at least $1000
• Bottle of Single Barrel Jack Daniels made specifically for the Navy SEALs OR a signed Navy SEAL flag for any individual who raises at least than $2500
• Invite to VIP reception 7/10 for any individual that raises more than $5000

Paddler and Boat Info

We depend on all swimmers, paddlers, boat captains and volunteers to know and follow the safety rules at all times.

• Boats will be driven at headway speed and maintain a safe distance from the swimmers and paddlers. We recommend 15 – 20 feet.
• All participants in a boat will follow the instructions of the boat captain and be vigilant in getting in and out of the boats.
• Paddlers that are escorting swimmers will remain 5 – 10 feet from the swimmers and act as the navigator to help keep the swimmers on the course.
• Boat captains and paddlers that are supporting the swimmers will be vigilant to deter spectator boats from driving into or through the swim course.
• Each paddler will either be assigned to a specific swimmer or be given a part of the swim course to patrol.

Paddlers should come to the race prepared:

• Dress in layers to account for a colder start and warmer temperatures later in the day
• Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun
• Must have their own kayak or SUP
• Bring a cell phone in a plastic bag.  We will provide you with an emergency cell phone number to call if there is a problem or if you have questions
• Bring 2 life preservers, one for you and one for any potential swimmer that needs a rescue
• Food and drink for yourself
• Bring a cup in case you have to use the bathroom (we are not kidding)
• If you are assigned to a swimmer, they might ask you to carry food and liquids for them to be administered during the swim.  Please work together with your swimmer to provide them the best assistance.