Swim The Fish 2026

Swim the Fish is a 1 mile, 1/2 mile, or 5K (3.1 miles) open water swim race benefiting the Wave's community benefit programs which include; Membership Assistance Program for those in financial need, School to Pool, and A+ student free access.  

The races will take place on a loop course starting and finishing at Whitefish City Beach in the beautiful Whitefish, Montana! 

REGISTRATION/COSTS

Registration is found online through race day. 

Early registration runs February 14th thru May 1st: $45 
Regular registration runs May 2nd thru August 4th: $65
Late and same day registration runs August 5th thru August 8th: $80

Please note: You will not be guaranteed a race packet if signing up during late or same day registration period.

Swimmers under 18 must have a certified swim coach’s prior approval to swim by emailing the race director, Carrie Jacobs (carriemjacobs@gmail.com) upon signup. The certified swim coach must be able to prove proficient open water swimming ability from the minor.

"Angel swimmers" are necessary for anyone aged 13 and under. An angel swimmer is a proficient swimmer who is at least 18 years old who will always be with the child and within arm’s reach of them during the race. No exception. Your Angel Swimmer must sign up as such and note the swimmer they are swimming with during the race. 

RACE PACKET PICKUP 

You will be able to pick up your race packet at The Wave Aquatics and Fitness Center (1250 Baker Avenue, Whitefish) on August 7th from 3 to 6 PM. Please note: You will have until August 7th @ 6 PM to change your distance of swim you registered for. Please contact Carrie Jacobs | carriemjacobs@gmail.com to change your distance, or let us know at the time of packet pickup. There will not be any changes to races the morning of the race. Please plan accordingly.

Your race packet will include a t-shirt, a swim cap you must wear during the race, and a timing chip that will be worn around your ankle during the race. 
 
RACE MORNING

Coming from out of town and can’t pick up your packet on Friday? Swimmers can check in and pick up their race packet if they haven't done so the night before, starting at 6:30 AM the morning of the race. You will not be able to change your distance of swim the morning of the race. Race day registration will be available online and will be $80. You will not be guaranteed race swag if registering during the late registration period, at packet pickup, or the morning of the race.

There will be mandatory athlete meetings the morning of the race, see schedule below. All meetings will take place on the beach in front of the arch - which will be your start and finish line!

5K Race: 

7:50 – mandatory athlete briefing
8:00 – race begins
The course is a three loop course beginning and ending under the arch on City Beach.

1 Mile Race: 

8:05 – mandatory athlete briefing
8:10 – race begins
The course is a one loop course beginning and ending under the arch on City Beach.

½ Mile Race: 

8:15 – mandatory athlete briefing
8:20 – race begins
The course consists of an out and back swim beginning and ending under the arch on City Beach.

Swim your race, cheer on others as they finish, and stick around for the awards ceremony which will feature the top three swimmers in each race and age category being recognized! There will be finish line food and refreshments available. You won’t want to miss the finish line party! 

RESULTS 

Results will be posted online at the Wave’s website, after they are finalized, and at Competitive Timing, our awesome timing company we are utilizing again this year! There will only be 1 category this year regardless if you choose to swim in a wetsuit or in a swimsuit. Awards will be given to the top three male and female racers in each age division for the 5K, 1 mile, and ½ mile swims.

Age group divisions for both men and women:

10 and under;
11-18;
19-29;
30-39;
40-49;
50-59;
60-69;
70-79; 
and 80+

SAFETY INFORMATION

Individual preparation for an open water swim: It is up to you as an individual to train and ensure you can safely swim in open water before starting the race. The transition from training in a pool to swimming in open water with waves, wind, sun, cold water, plants below you, no black line to follow...is a tough one and takes getting used to. Please be sure you have swum in open water at least a few times before jumping in. If you want/need extra help getting prepared please reach out. There are resources available.  

Safety is our number one concern: We will update racers on any current precautions and requirements we will be following on race day. Please be prepared for changing weather conditions and prepare accordingly.

Pre-Race meeting: All athletes are required to attend the pre-race meeting to learn about race day water conditions, the course, and emergency procedures.

Swimmer Identification: All individuals entering the water during the race will be required to be registered (including Angel Swimmers), marked with their number, wear the cap given to them in their race packet and their timing chip. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Q: Where do I park on race morning?

Parking is going to be busy on race morning. Please obey all street signs. There are two parking lots close to City Beach, and some on street parking close. There will be NO PARKING in the boat launch area or on the bike lane along Oregon/Lakeside Blvd or in the boat trailer parking spots in the lot at the corner of Edgewood and Washington. You will be ticketed.

Q: What if the water is choppy the morning of the race? Will the race be delayed?

Maybe. We cannot delay the race too much because the race is held in a busy part of Whitefish Lake during the Summertime and boat traffic becomes too busy to ensure a safe race for everyone. In the event of adverse weather or water conditions, including wave heights exceeding 1.5 feet, we may need to cancel or modify the race. Factors influencing cancellation Include:

·       Wave height and water conditions 

·       Current weather forecasts (wind speed, storms, lighting in the area)

·       Safety recommendations from local authorities

As weather and wind conditions evolve, we will continue to monitor the AQI and water conditions and make any necessary announcements. Please check the race website and our social media channels for updates.

Q: It has been smoky in Montana in August in some years. Would the race be canceled if there is smoke in the air?

Because of the frequency of wildfires in the region, we monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and have implemented the following policy:

·       We will monitor the air quality conditions during race week.

·       The race will proceed as scheduled at 8:00 AM if the AQI remains in the orange category (150 and under).

·       We will check the AQI 60 minutes before the race start and communicate updates via email and social media.

For more information on AQI, please refer to the Department of Environmental Quality.

Q: If I am swimming the 5K, will there be nutrition available on course? 

If you plan on using nutrition on the course there will be a boat located conveniently near the course, where you can swim up and get your water, etc. Please come prepared and make sure your race nutrition, water bottle, etc. are marked with your name so those on the boat can hand it to you quickly!

Q: I love my dog, can I bring them to cheer me on? 

We love dogs, animals of all kinds really, AND…we don't want to see them on race morning. Dogs are not allowed at City Beach, no exceptions (no cats, rabbits, shrews, llamas, you get the idea...). Bring pictures and show us how cute they are!

Q: Can I wear fins, or a snorkel, or use paddles? 

We love our fins, and snorkels, and even our paddles in practice. At this race? Not accepted. Come to COD at the Wave and I promise you can use them at every practice I coach though. 

Q: I am swimming the virtual race! Where do I submit my result?

Anyone swimming virtually can submit their results anytime until midnight on the Sunday after the event! All you must do is swim your race (1750 yards in a pool, 1 mile in open water) and then return to the race website to submit your results. I will mail your gear (shirt, cap, products) to your provided address the Monday after your race!

I am sure there will be additional questions regarding Swim the Fish so contact Carrie Jacobs at carriemjacobs@gmail.com! 

See you soon! We are eager to host you in Whitefish!