250 Meter Swim Race

The 250-meter course will be marked with buoys and patrolled by lifeguards. It’s designed to be a manageable distance for young swimmers, allowing them to experience the excitement of a larger open water swim race in a controlled environment. It’s a chance to build confidence, create lasting memories, and discover a love for open water swimming. The swim starts and finishes in the Cove so you can watch your swimmers for the whole swim.

Race Details

Event Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Event Location: Scripps Park/La Jolla Cove – 1160 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Race Day Check In: 6:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Free Guided La Jolla Cove Familiarization Swim: 10 AM on Saturday led by local swimmers.
Saturday Check In: You may check in for your event the day before at Scripps Park/La Jolla Cove 9AM-2PM . You do not need to check in twice. But you must wear your timing chip and issued swim cap for your event. Do not lose them.
Line Up Time: 10:05 AM
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Parental Approval: A legal guardian needs to register all swimmers under age 18.
All Races: Begin and Finish on the Beach of La Jolla Cove.

Race Day Info

Check-In: Each swimmer must check in prior to their event. Swimmers will receive a t-shirt, swim cap, timing chip ankle band, and wave assignment. Your race number will be written on both arms or hands. Timing is used for all awards and official results. Race Day Check-in will open at 6:30 AM. Check in for each event closes 15 mins prior to scheduled start time of the event. Swimmers may check in on Saturday and receive their timing chip, swim cap, race number, etc. Swimmers who check in on Saturday do NOT need to check in again on Race Day.

The Course for the Swim: Swimmers will begin and finish all races on the beach of La Jolla Cove. Each swim consists of three legs with two left turns around two buoys. Waves of swimmers will be in groups of 100- 200, depending on conditions. Parental approval is required for swimmers younger than 18. Prior open water swimming experience is highly recommended for all participants.

Swim Gear

• Swimsuit
• Swim goggles
• Swim cap (provided by the event)

​Awards

All participants will receive a commemorative swim cap and a finisher’s medal. Age group awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers. In addition to the finisher medal, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded for each age group, and all regulation swimmers, beginning with Garibaldi Groms (6-12 by age ). For the 1 Mile Sea Lion age group, medals will be awarded for 13-14, 15-17.

​Safety

• Lifeguard Supervision: Over 20 San Diego Fire-Rescue Lifeguards will be assigned as dedicated safety personnel for the event. They will be actively monitoring the swimmers from Rescue Boats, Paddle Boards and specialized Personal Water Craft for duration of the event.
• Pre-Race Briefing: The Beach Team will review safety instructions and course details prior to the start of each wave.
• Parental Supervision: We encourage parents to remain in designated viewing areas to cheer on their young swimmers.
• Medical Support: On-site medical personnel will be available to provide any necessary assistance.

Important Safety Tips

• Ensure your child is comfortable swimming in open water.
• Practice swimming the distance in similar conditions.
• Arrive early for check-in and briefing.
• Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen.