As we head into our final race of the season, we are so grateful for the opportunity to return to this hallowed ground of open water, for our first Southern Cross event since 2021.
Fort Myers Beach holds a very special place in our hearts. For decades, this destination has invested in the sport of open water swimming. This course has seen World Championships, National Championships and many others over the years. This quirky beach town has a little something for everyone, and we are excited to be part of bringing this special place back to the open water community.
We look forward to welcoming you soon, and to a great weekend in this amazing destination.
See you soon!
- Salty Crew
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
7:30 am Athlete Check-In/Body Marking Opens
***You must bring a photo ID (Drivers License) and sign an event waiver onsite when checking in.***
8:40 am Pre Race Briefing
8:45 am Athletes start lining up for spaced wave start
9:00 am 5K Race Begins
10 min after final 5K swimmers are in the water - 1 mile Race Begins
12:15 pm - Approx. time for Southern Cross Event Awards
Location: Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Parking in Lynn Hall Park for athletes who arrive prior to the start of the event will be complimentary throught the duration of the race.
Please note, some parking areas have been affected by previous storms
COURSE DETAILS
Beach Start into the water
Turn right at the orange/yellow arch (Turn 1)
Swim straight keeping buoys on your left
Large Yellow Triangle Buoys signal approx. halfway to the Turn Buoys
Turn left 90 degrees at the Large Orange Buoy (Turn 2)
Continue to next Large Orange Buoy
Turn left 90 degrees at Large Orange Buoys (Turn 3)
Continue straight passing another Large Yellow Buoy
At the 3rd Large Orange Buoy turn 90 degrees left (Turn 4)
Continue straight in towards the finishline
Keep all of the inflatable things on your left
Mile swimmers finish under the finish line arch - 1 lap
5K swimmers - 3 laps total
What to Remember No Matter What
1 Mile = 1 Lap
5K = 3 Laps
Turn right to swim through the orange/yellow arch
Keep the Buoys on your Left
Go around the Turn Buoys (Large Orange Triangles)
Don’t Cut Corners (you’re better than that!)
SIGHT! & please don’t head to Mexico!
RACE RULES
Bib Number/Body Marking
You will be assigned a bib number.
If you are not wearing a wetsuit, mark your left and right upper arms with your bib number on race morning at the Body Marking tent.
If you are wearing a wetsuit, mark the outside of both of your hands at the Body Marking tent.
This event will be chip timed. You must have a chip and body marking to enter the water.
Water Safety
There will be plenty of water safety personnel on the course including kayaks, paddle boards, and PWC.
You are permitted to hold onto a watercraft momentarily to catch your breath.
You may NOT advance down the course while holding onto watercraft.
If you experience any issues while in the water, take off your swim cap and wave it over your head while treading water and a safety watercraft will come to your aid.
For your safety, every swimmer must check in at the registration tent on race morning to pick up their chip.
78 degrees
Wetsuits will be legal if the water temp is 78 or under.
You must wear the swim cap provided to you for your specif-
1 5 mile time limit 1:05 (1 Hr & 5 Min) K time limit 2:45 (2 Hr & 45 Min)
You may not switch distances once the race has started
Speedo SALT Series
Southern Cross Supporters
Age Group Awards
Female - 13 & Under
Male - 13 & Under
Female - 14-19
Male - 14-19
Female - 20 - 29
Male - 20 - 29
Female - 30 - 39
Male - 30 - 39
Female - 40 - 49
Male - 40 - 49
Female - 50 - 59
Male - 50 - 59
Female 60 - 69
Female 60 - 69
Female - 70 + Up
Male - 70 + Up
AREA INFO
Parking
Parking is avaialble at Lynn Hall Beach Park.
We encourage athletes to arrive early.
Additional parking is available in lots around the park.
Hotels
Rooms are still available
https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/stay
Things To Do Helpful Links
We encourage our athletes to enjoy everything the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel have to offer.
