La Jolla Cove Swimmers,

We have difficult but important news to share.

After a site inspection yesterday evening, we've determined that this Sunday's 9/13 race cannot be conducted safely as planned.

High tides combined with significant beach erosion from all of the tropical storm and hurricane activity in the Pacific Ocean the past month mean there is effectively no rock free beach available at race time for you to safely enter and exit the water. We knew what the tide situation was. We could not predict how much beach had been lost to the ocean activity.

San Diego Lifeguards, whose approval is required for the event to proceed, agree that anticipated conditions do not support a safe start and finish. Especially with predicted waves on Sunday being in the 3'-4' range. Safety is paramount, and while we hoped conditions would allow us to run the race as planned, we have to make this call in time to be responsible to you and to our safety partners.

We know this is disappointing news, and we truly appreciate your understanding.

What comes next?

As agreed at registration, entries are non-refundable, and given how many fixed costs are already committed for an event like this, we're not able to offer refunds directly — this is part of why race insurance is offered at sign-up. That said, we want to make sure your entry still counts for something. You have two options:

Defer your entry to 2027. 

Let us know that you like to do this by selecting this option below and your registration will roll over to the 2027 La Jolla Cove Swim. If you don’t elect for deferral, your registration fees will automatically be donated to Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego County on October 1st 2026. 

2. Donate your entry fee to the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego County now.

If you'd prefer your entry fee go toward our mission instead of deferring, you can make that election now, or it will happen automatically on October 1st 2026.  No action required if you don’t want to defer. 

We also have 1,107 event t-shirts that were part of your registration. Swimmers can pick up their participant t-shirt at Scripps Park Saturday & Sunday, between 9am and 3pm. If you can't make it in person, we can mail your shirt for just the actual shipping cost — details on that to follow.

For many of you, this race is an annual tradition, and we know training, travel, and plans have been built around it. We are an all-volunteer organization, and no one is more disappointed to cancel this swim than we are — we feel your disappointment because we're feeling it right alongside you. This wasn't a decision we took lightly, but we believe it's the right one for the safety of everyone involved.

I am deeply sorry. As a former lifeguard myself, I do not make this call lightly, and I know how disappointing this is after your training and preparation. But safety has to come first, and this isn't a risk any of us should take. I cannot in good conscience risk someone being seriously injured during this fun event. 

If you have any questions about the cancellation or the options above, please don't hesitate to reach out. Simply reply to this email. 

Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and love for the La Jolla Cove Swim. I hope to see you all back on the sand in 2027.

Cordially,

Aaron

Aaron Brennan, Race Director

La Jolla Cove Swim