About the La Jolla Cove Swim
The La Jolla Rough Water Swim (now known as the La Jolla Cove Swim) is one of the longest running open water swimming events in the United States. It is run solely by volunteers and community members. The La Jolla Cove Swim is a non-profit event and is operated under The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, a 501(c)3 organization. Beyond its competitive appeal, the swim serves as an essential hub for community service and water safety initiatives, acting as a crucial fundraising platform for the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla—an organization dedicated to serving children both locally and globally. All of the proceeds from this event directly support the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego County, a non-profit organization focused on preventing drownings through education and accessible swim programs.
History of the la Jolla Cove Swim
The La Jolla Cove Swim has a rich history that dates back to 1916, originating from the civic ambition associated with the California Panama Exposition, which encouraged local communities to showcase their attractions. The inaugural one-mile swim featured just seven competitors, including Al Iller, who notably participated for over three decades, consistently finishing last.
Initially held as an occasional event, its growing popularity led to its establishment as an annual tradition by 1931, affectionately known as the “Big Wet One.” Today, it is recognized as the one of the oldest open water swims in the United States and will celebrate its 109th year in 2025.
Run exclusively by volunteers, the event has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming historical interruptions such as another exposition in 1935, a polio scare in 1948, and reported shark sightings in 1959, during which organizer Douglas McKellar famously swam the course alone.
Kiwanis Club of La Jolla
Serving the Children of the World
The La Jolla Cove Swim, a long-standing open water swimming event, is organized by the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla. This event, which has been held for over 100 years, includes 250M, 1-mile, and 3-mile swims.
The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and proceeds from the swim are donated to various community organizations, including the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, according to the City of San Diego and Kiwanis Club of La Jolla.
The event aims to promote swimming safety and support community youth programs.
