Welcome to our FAQ! Here we answer some common questions about swimming in the bay, safety, gear, and our website. If your question remains unanswered here, please contact us.

What should I bring with me to Aquatic Park?

What is the water temperature? 
November – March: Approx. between 49-55F (9.0C-13C)
March – October: Approx. between 55-62F (13C-16.5C)
Current temps

Are there sharks in the Bay or in the Cove?

If it rains, do we still swim?
Unless it's a hurricane, you're going to be wet anyway, so yes, we will be swimming in rain or shine!

Is the water dirty?

How long will we swim?


What should I eat before I swim?

Can you watch my stroke?

What is the difference in pool and open water training? 

Why can't we jump off Alcatraz?
As Alcatraz is partly a bird sanctuary, boats, kayaks, and the people on them are prohibited from getting within 100 meters of Alcatraz, especially from February through September which is breeding season. Water World Swim respects the environment, aiming to keep the sport of open water swimming a live collaboration between the athletes and the oceans.


Why are my hands and feet so cold?

What is an ebb and flood?

Is there a place to change in Aquatic Park?


Do you organize private and group swims?
Yes! If you or your team/group would like to attempt one of our courses privately or complete and Alcatraz crossing, we can help supply the permits and schedule a date. Private and group swims must be planned several months in advance.

I'd like to do an Alcatraz swim alone. What does it cost? 
Private swims are much pricier as we much assure permits from the Coast Guard, coaches, and boat and kayak support. Cost for support alone will be up to $550, so we would have to discuss with you in order to give an accurate quote. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit before we start getting permits, and the second payment at least two weeks before the event.

I'd like to join a current swim with my group/team - is there a discount? 
Yes! The discount is as follows:

  • 5-10 swimmers: 10% off
  • 11-15 swimmers: 15% off
  • 16-20 swimmers: 20% off
  • 20+ swimmers: 25% off

Open Water Swimming Safety

Read about Water World Swim's safety precautions and tips on hypothermia.


What are the signs of hypothermia?

What should I do if I feel hypothermic? 

How do I alert a pilot kayaker that I am in trouble?
Raise your hand! If you are panicking, roll onto your back and float. Floating sometimes helps calm anxiety and it's a good thing to do while you wait for help.

Can bring my own kayaker to the event?
You are more than welcome to bring your own kayaker - please let us know in advance and note that the kayak cannot be personalized and must follow our kayak captain's instructions.

Are booties ok for swimming?

Why do I need earplugs?
If the middle ear gets cold, it affects your equilibrium, so that when you leave the water after you swim you become dizzy. Earplugs help keep your head warm and protect you from bacteria in the water.


Water World Swim recommends Mack's Earplugs.

Keeping body temperature stable to prevent hypothermia is the hardest and most dangerous obstacle open-water swimmers face when swimming in colder waters. By sealing out frigid water from the ear canal, swimmers are better able to keep their body temperature up, help prevent swimmer’s ear infections (otitis externa), surfer’s ear (exostosis), and cold water-induced dementia, a debilitating effect that can occur when very cold water enters the ear canal. Mack’s® Pillow Soft® Earplugs and Mack’s® AquaBlock® Ear Plugs provide a very comfortable, waterproof seal which helps prevent these health hazards.

Is a diving or surfing wetsuit okay for swimming?
No, they are designed for diving and surfing only.


What about goggles?

What else should I bring to swims?
See this post - it will help you prepare for any swim, especially for a cold water one, and details all the recommended items you should have with you when you swim.

WWS Waiver

This is a required form for all New Waves members and clinic and weekly workout swimmers. Please email it or bring it with you to our swims.

Refund Policy

Read about our refund and rollover policies before you register for an event - this will save everyone potential trouble!

Can I get a refund for paid registration?

Entry fees are non-refundable, no exceptions. However, you may be eligible for a rollover credit for future events. Please read our downloadable refund policy above for details.

How late can I pull out of an event?
You must notify us of your intention no later than 20 days prior to the event date. If within 30 days leading up to the event a medical issue, military deployment, or death in the family prevents your participation, you must notify us in writing and attach documentation to support your claim. We must receive it at least 72 hours before the race start time. Please read our downloadable refund policy above for details.

Can I sell or trade my registration to/with someone else?
No - you may not sell, trade, or allow someone else to take your entry. Substitutions jeopardize our insurance and our ability to secure the permits necessary for future events. Please read our downloadable refund policy above for details.

What is the latest deadline for rollover credits?
No credits will be issued within the last 72 hours prior to event day. Please read our downloadable refund policy above for details.

Are there rollover fees?
Yes, and they differ depending on the event. Please read our downloadable refund policy above for details.

Is my payment information secure on your website?
Absolutely! Your credit card and other payment information is encrypted through DigiCert and Stripe. Your information is not stored on our servers, and we do not have access to it.

Do I have to fill out a waiver for every weekly swim I attend?
Nope! The waiver is good for the year you signed it in, so you only have to fill it out once a year. Each year you must sign a new waiver.


I would love to feature Water World Swim in an article. Who can I contact?
Please get in touch with Lauren Cassidy. She can help you with your query and direct you to anyone you may request in particular!

Are the annual events covered by press?
Yes, many of our events - especially our large ones, such as Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions - are covered by press.

Where can I find images from the event I was in?
We post the images from our events to our Facebook page, blog, and to SmugMug. You can purchase prints and other products with the photos from SmugMug.