Swim The Fish 2026 2026 — Whitefish, MT

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 the