Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water safe for swimming?
Absolutely! The water is cleaner now than it was ten years ago and by some estimates 100 years ago. It is perfectly safe and sanitary to swim in it under supervised conditions. In the NYCDEP Commissioner's Statement of Aug 14, 2001, Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr. says "New Yorkers and visitors can once again swim on all our beaches and fish the Hudson River." Swimming becomes unsafe and there are water quality concerns after significant and extended rain events. In that case, swimmers would be advised that the water quality is compromised so they can decide whether to participate.
How do I upload my pool certification?
The pool certificate template can be found at nycswim.org/Template/poolcertificatetemplate.pdf. Once you have completed your qualifying pool swim and filled in the form, you can upload it via the "Swimmer" page of your profile (PDF files only) or fax it to (917) 591-6213. Please note that the pool certification for events is generally due two weeks in advance or, if you are enrolling closer to the swim date, within 24 hours of your enrollment.
Are shots required before swimming?
We do not require shots for our swims anymore. The only thing we ask is that the swimmer's Tetanus shots be up-to-date. Some swimmers get a gamma globulin or Hepatitis A shot.
What will the water be like?
The water will probably be in the mid 60's during June, the beginning of July and September, but in the 70's during the end of July and August. There can be a substantial amount of chop in the water from wind and Tide action. The waterways are saltwater and there is shipping traffic. There may be random Jetsam and Flotsam in the waterways.
What are the qualifications to race?
All applicants must fill out an extensive application, available in our application section, detailing their swimming, medical, and personal background. For the Manhattan Swim: First time solo applicants must complete a 4-hour swim in a prescribed water temperature (65°F or colder for the 2008 event) and include 3 weeks' worth of recent workouts. They must also write an essay about why they want to participate in MIMS. After these applications have been received, the application committee meets to decide who they feel is qualified to swim in MIMS. For additional information on qualifications for solo swimmer and relay applicants, check the MIMS web page. For Swim Series: First time open waters swimmers have to meet the standards determined for the event. Check the race you are interested in the application section.
Are wetsuits, neoprene caps and neoprene socks allowed?
For the Manhattan Swim and the Ederle Swim: All swimming costumes must be made of a porous material and conform to the "traditional" swimming suit style. These events do not allow attire that increases buoyancy or heat retention, including wetsuits, neoprene caps, or neoprene socks. Caps shall be defined as headgear conforming to traditional swim cap design and not extending to protect the neck or shoulders. Please consult the Race Rules on the MIMS Policies and Ederle Policies pages for additional details on permitted swimwear.
For the Swim Series: We do allow wetsuits/non-traditional swim attire, neoprene caps that do not cover the swimmer's ears, and neoprene socks. However, swimmers in wetsuits/non-traditional swim attire or neoprene accessories (caps, socks, etc.) will be ineligible for awards if the water temperature is 68°F (20°C) or higher. Suits that reduce drag in the water, increase buoyancy, or increase heat-retention such as Speedo LZR Racer, Speedo Aquablade, Speedo FS II, Speedo Fastskin, TYR Aqua Shift, TYR Aquapel, TYR Fusion2, Nike Liftsuit, blue seventy zeropoint3 and suits with similar materials are included within the wetsuit category. For each swim, an official announcement regarding temperature and award eligibility will be made on the website and in a final email to participants no later than two days before the event.
Are fins, snorkels, and other swim aids allowed?
Fins, snorkels and other swim aids (including, but not limited to, items such as swim paddles, gloves, kick boards, flotation devices, etc.) are not allowed in any of the MIF swim events or races.
Is there anyway to receive photos from past swim events?
We have just posted an online photo gallery. These photos are copyrighted and permission must be obtained before use.
How do I apply?
Applications for each swim and aquathlon in the summer series are available online at www.nycswim.org. Registration remains open until 3 days prior to the event unless the maximum number of participants allowed has already been reached.
How much does it cost?
Please check the application of the event you are interested in.
What happens to my personal belongings once I get in the water?
At swimmer check-in, you may also check a bag of personal belongings to be transported to race finish for you. You should bring an inexpensive bag and leave your valuables at home. The Manhattan Island Foundation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
I'm a collegiate swimmer with lots of experience; can I have the qualifying swim requirement waived?
Due to both safety and liability reasons, we are unable to waive the qualification requirements for any prospective swimmer. Additionally, we use the swim time information to place swimmers in an appropriate starting wave.
If you have completed an MIF event of appropriate distance within the past three years, your participation may automatically qualify you for the race that you would like to enter. If you have non-MIF open water swim experience, you can enter the information under your user profile (click on the “My Events” tab, page down to the “Swim History (Non-MIF Events)” section, click on “Add Non-MIF Event”) and it will be reviewed to ensure that it meets the standards set for the race that you would like to enter. You may also qualify for a swim by completing a monitored pool swim as detailed in the race requirements section. (Login to your swimmer profile, click on the “Swimmer” tab to see the requirements for the different races as well as to access the pool certificate template.)
Are the swims with the current or against the current?
Most of our swims are timed to have a Tidal assist, but weather conditions could diminish or offset that. If you are interested in the Tide information, please see this page for details.
Can I listen to my MP3 player or waterproof radio while I'm swimming in the event?
No, headphones are not allowed.
Should I wear a wetsuit?
Whether or not to wear a wetsuit is up to you. Taking a practice swim in water of a similar temperature to what you might experience on race day might help you make a decision. Please be sure to read out wetsuit policy above.
How can I sign up for a swim clinic?
Check back later this spring for details.
Steps to Create a New User Profile
Applicants and crew members who have not previously participated in a MIF event must create a user profile in order to utilize the online application form. At a minimum, a person wishing to create a new user account will need a name and a unique e-mail address (i.e., not an e-mail shared with someone already in the system). To create a new account, click here and follow the prompts.
Error Message - Email already exists in DB
The MIF system allows an email address to be used ONLY once. Two users may NOT share the same email address. This policy helps prevents unauthorized, third party access to a User’s personal information and communications. We recommend that each MIF website User establish his/her own PRIVATE email address (Gmail, AOL and Yahoo are possible options).
Forgot your Account's Password
User accounts are created either by the user OR the MIF system, when a Manhattan Island swimmer/participant designates his/her swim support “crew” members. A user may request his/her account’s password by clicking here. Once User complete’s the form, the MIF system will send by email the password on file to the User’s email address.
Steps to Update the User Profile
Login to your account
Thoroughly complete
Account and Personal Information
Contact Information
Work Information
Emergency Contact Information
User Bio
Click 'Save'
Click on 'MyEvents'
Scroll down to Swim History (Non-MIF Events).
Follow the Steps to Add Non-MIF Event
Click on 'Swimmer'
Thoroughly complete
Doctor Information (Solo and 2-person MIMS relay)
Membership
Pool Certificates
Medical Forms (Solo and 2-person MIMS relay)
Qualifying Swims - (Solo,2-person, 4-person and 6-person MIMS relays)
Other
Click 'Save'
Click on 'Photos'
If no photos exist, please follow Steps Add a Photo to the User Profile
If no headshot is chosen, follow Steps to Add a Photo Headshot to the User Profile
Click 'Save'
Steps to Add a Photo Headshot to the User Profile
To add a Headshot to your User Bio, you must have already have Added a Photo to your User Profile
Login to your account
Click on 'Photos'
Choose which picture you wish to have as your Headshot
Click on 'Make this my Headshot'
Log out of your account
Steps to Add a Photo to the User Profile
Login to your account
Click on 'Photos'
Please Add the Event(s), if applicable, where the picture was taken
Please Add the Relay Team, if applicable, that this picture is associated with
Please Add the User(s), if applicable, who are featured in the picture
Please Add the Date, when the picture was taken
Choose Click 'Add Photo' and select the Photo to be uploaded.
Please enter the Description describing what is happening in the picture
Click 'Save'
How do I upload results from non-MIF events?
Login to your account
Click on "My Events"
Scroll down to Swim History (Non-MIF Events)
Click on "Add Non-MIF Event"
Click on "Create"
• Type the event name into the box and click search.
• If it is in our system, it will appear. Click on it and just add your personal results.
• If it is not in our system, you will need to enter the event information yourself. Click on "create" (you may
have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen) again and a form will pop-up. Please fill in the event
information and your personal results.
Click "Save"
If you create a new event, you WILL see it in your personal profile, BUT you will NOT immediately see it in your
public profile. We'll have to approve it...once it's been approved you'll be notified and it will appear in your
public profile as well.
Is there a Cove to Cove Swim in 2008?
Unfortunately, we are not planning to hold the Cove to Cove Swim in 2008 due to limited attendance over the past few years as well as scheduling concerns. We have some other fairly short events that you might enjoy, such as the Park to Park Swim (1 mile) and the Riverside Park Tune Up Swim (1.5 km).
I am unable to log in even though I know my ID and password. Help!
If you are experiencing difficulty logging in, here are some possible solutions:
- Try logging in from a different computer.
- Try logging in from a different browser on the same computer.
- Try clearing the cookies and cache out of your browser before logging in.
- Log in from swimnyc.org from the same computer.
Can I get on a waitlist for the 2008 Brooklyn Bridge Swim?
Since the Brooklyn Bridge Swim filled up in May, we have received numerous inquiries from swimmers interested in being added to a waitlist. We don't have a fair way to offer a waitlist option at this time and will not do so this year; however, there is a possibility that we may be able to accommodate more swimmers. Stay tuned to future issues of the MIF e-newsletter Cross Currents for more information.
Where are the best viewing spots for the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim?
We're often asked where spectators should go in order to get a great view of the race. Just about anywere on the waterfront between 9:15 am and 6:30 pm on race day could net some good opportunities to see your favorite swimmers. Best bets are at South Cove and Battery Park at the start; the Upper East Side at about 11:00 am; anywhere along the Harlem River throughout the late morning; and back at the World Financial Center starting around 4:00 pm.
Some local favorites:
- The Battery to the Manhattan Bridge
- East River between 18th and 34th Streets
- Roosevelt Island
- Along the Harlem River up to the second bridge
- Yankee Stadium Parking Lot in the Bronx
- Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx
- Railroad bridge at the entrance to the Hudson River at the north end of Dyckman Fields
- Little Red Lighthouse/GWB
- Trump Pier
- 70th Street Pier in Riverside Park South
- Christopher Street/End of Pier 40
A mile is 1760 yards (1609 meters); why is the MIF qualification standard 1650 yards (1500 meters)?
It's true that a statute mile is 1760 yards (1609 meters); however, the MIF qualification standard is based on the competitive pool "mile" event, which is 1650 yards (1500 meters).
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