Celebrate clean, healthy water in Grand Traverse Bay with a unique open water swim event on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to benefit The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, a non-profit that works to protect the bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed. Whether you’re a serious swimmer looking for a timed event, a triathlete wanting to practice in open water, a recreational swimmer setting a personal goal for your swimming, or someone passionate about water quality and making a difference locally, the Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is an exciting, challenging, and fun celebration of clean and healthy water in our region. The Swim for Grand Traverse Bay is a fundraiser for The Watershed Center, a nonprofit that advocates for clean water in Grand Traverse Bay and acts to protect and preserve the bays watershed. Each swimmer is responsible for raising at least $250, though no fundraising experience is required - well support you on your fundraising journey with tools, templates, and tips.
2 Miles: T-Shirt
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Miles | $55.00 | Jan 15 | Aug 7 |
Swimmers and support paddlers can pick up their Swim packets on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 3-6pm. Alternatively, packets can be picked up the day of the event (Saturday, August 8, 2026) from 7-7:35am at the start line. If you pick up your packet on Friday, you will still need to check in Saturday morning to get your race cap and number!
The Swim starts at 8am, with check-in beginning at 7am and a mandatory safety briefing at 7:45am. All swimmers and support paddlers must check in at the start line even if you already picked up your event packet. Event organizers will write your swimmer number on the back of your hand and your shoulder, if visible. Depending on the number of swimmers, there may be more than one start group, including one for unescorted, experienced open water swimmers and another for those with support paddlers.
We'll be announcing our event location soon!
Interested in this race?