Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pre-dinner/safety meeting mandatory for everyone?
No. It is only mandatory for the 9-milers and their kayak pilots. Must RSVP if attending dinner.
Which way are we swimming?
The current (ha! Get it?) plan is to swim from South to North. The weather is looking to be consistent with that plan, but IF we have to change, on race morning, to a North to South swim, we will send an SMS text, post on social media, as well as on the website AND an email. See below about parking areas, should we have to change to North to South. View map of the course.
Where do I park and how do I get back to my car?
9-milers, Relay Teams & Kayakers
Please park at the vacant lot next to Sun & Surf Cinema (14301 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD) at 144th street. Parking spots will be marked for Ocean Games.
We have a shuttle van that will be running between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM to take you to the start line at Caroline Street.
Please note that 8:30 AM is the last shuttle to the race start. If you miss the shuttle bus, you may catch the Ocean City Beach Bus at the 144th Street Transit station. It's $3 for an all-day pass and runs approximately every 20 minutes starting at 6 AM.
3 Milers
Park at the vacant lot Sun & Surf Cinema (14301 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD). Parking spots will be marked for Ocean Games. The shuttle van will be running from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM to take you to the start line at 94th Street.
Please note, that 10:45 AM is the last shuttle to the race start at 94th Street. If you miss the shuttle bus, you may catch the Ocean City Beach Bus at the 144th Street Transit station. It's $3 for an all-day pass and runs approximately every 20 minutes.
Our thanks to Sun & Surf Cinema for allowing the use of their parking lot.
**Please note - if you park at Caroline Street there will be no shuttle service from the finish line back to Caroline Street. The Ocean City Beach Bus is available.***
***If we have to make a race morning call and do the event in the opposite direction (swimming from 146th Street TO Caroline Street) parking and shuttles will be at the same times, but you will park at the West Ocean City Park and Ride.***
I have my own kayak, where do I park?
You can drop your kayak off at Caroline Street and then park at the inlet. We will arrange to get you back to your car at the end of the race.
What safety plans do you have in place?
Safety is our #1 priority and we are focused on making sure our swimmers are safe. We have lifeguards, kayakers and US Coast Guard around the swim course providing oversight and keeping recreational boaters away from the course. Water safety support is being provided by the United States Coast Guard and Ocean City Beach Patrol.
A medical tent and nurse will be stationed on shore. Lifeguards will be stationed every 10th of a mile.
What do I do with my clothes and other personal belongings?
At the race start, for both 9 and 3-mile swimmers, we will collect your belongings in drop bags, tag and transport them to the finish line. In other words, you don’t have to wear your speedo to the race start.
When will the awards take place?
The Awards Ceremony will take place at 4:00 PM, at the latest, or immediately after the last swimmer has completed the race.
What is the temperature of the water?
The average water temperature is 66 - 70 degrees.
How will I know I’m on course during the swim?
Orange Buoys will be placed every mile, Green buoys placed every 3 miles (Relayers take note – this is your exchange point). The race start will be between two yellow buoys and at the finish, you will make a left after passing two yellow buoys. Please see the map of the swim course – available soon.
What happens if there is thunder/lightning?
Should there be lightning during the race, the timing of the race will continue and you are to follow all lifeguard instructions.
What should I do if I’m not able or do not wish to continue the swim?
If you have to leave the water, go directly to the closest lifeguard station on the beach, give them your name, bib # and timing chip, from your ankle. The lifeguard will radio Ocean Games staff to schedule a pickup.
IF you are a 9-mile swimmer, your kayaker MUST continue to the finish line. We only have permission to launch and retrieve kayaks from Caroline Street and 146th Street.