Race Cancellation Policy

All of NYC Swim's events require permits issued by the Coast Guard. These permits are issued subject to prevailing Homeland Security concerns and Maritime Security Levels in the area. If conditions change, the Coast Guard may require that we alter, reschedule or cancel an event.

Our paramount concern is the health and safety of our swimmers and volunteer kayakers. For this reason, we are sometimes forced to cancel races due to unsafe weather conditions or unsanitary water conditions.

After a prolonged or heavy rainfall, it may take several hours to several days before the rivers are again safe for swimmers, due to the trash, untreated storm runoff, and flotsam and jetsam that may flow into Manhattan's water ways. In addition, inclement weather may interfere with our ability to set up a race, forcing us to cancel the event even when the forecast calls for better conditions at the scheduled starting time.

When an event is not cancelled but the New York Harbor’s water quality has been compromised, NYC Swim will inform swimmers of this issue and leave it up to them to decide whether they still wish to participate. Swimming in water that is compromised increases the chances of developing a bacterial infection, and it would be our recommendation that swimmers begin a course of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin immediately after the swim.

The race director has full discretion to cancel a race at any time. In the event of an advance cancellation of an event by NYC Swim:

If the event has a scheduled back-up date:
NYC Swim will automatically transfer the registrations of all approved applicants to the back-up date.

If the event does not have a scheduled back-up date:
If the event cannot be rescheduled, all approved applicants will receive 50% off the entry fee for any NYC Swim race in the current or next season, with the exception of the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, the Manhattan Island Relays, and the Ederle Swim.

If an event has to be canceled or halted while swimmers and race staff are on site, the above advance cancellation policies do not apply. If conditions continue to be unsuitable for allowing swimmers into the water or if the event does not have a scheduled back-up date, race souvenirs will be distributed to all swimmers and volunteers who are present.

Safety Policy

The race officials have authority to pull a swimmer from the water at any time for the swimmer’s own safety. Potentially dangerous conditions may include, without limitation, hypothermia, changes to weather or water conditions, or interference by shipping or other watercraft traffic. The race courses are patrolled by lifeguards and government safety officials, and each race includes a medical team. The race officials shall have full discretion to pull any swimmer from the water for safety reasons, and to determine when and if the swimmer may resume swimming.

Substitution and Withdrawal Policy

Swim Series Withdrawal Policy (with the exception of the Manhattan Swim, the Manhattan Relays, and the Ederle Swim)
NYC Swim will not reimburse registered swimmers who voluntarily withdraw, do not show, or fail to submit sufficient qualifications to meet the event’s requirements to participate. (This is because NYC Swim incurs nearly all race expenses before race day. If you are not sure you will be able to meet a specific event’s requirements to participate, please delay your enrollment until you are able to do so.)

Process for Submitting Medical Withdrawal Documentation
If your inability to participate is due to a medical reason, please e-mail info@nycswim.org or fax (+1 212-784-6850) verification from a medical professional for review by NYC Swim no less than two weeks prior to race date. Swimmers who withdraw in this manner will receive 50% off the entry fee for any NYC Swim race in the current or next season, with the exception of the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, the Manhattan Island Relays, and the Ederle Swim. The credit must be used within 365 days of the date of issue.

No Sale or Transfer Permitted
No entrant may sell, trade, or otherwise allow another person to use an entry. Anyone found to be participating under another person’s entry will be disqualified from the event, and both the participant and the original registrant will be barred from all future NYC Swim events. NYC Swim will not grant any other refunds, credits, or exchanges, except in instances where we are forced to cancel an event (see Race Cancellation Policy, above).