Kayakers & Paddleboarders are needed for the 25th Annual Lake Murray Dam Swim. Swimmers will take on Lake Murray on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. to swim the 2 miles to Lexington. The event is to raise awareness of boating & swimming safety! Funds raised go towards an indoor pool to be built in Lexington.
Kayakers and SUPs are the best guide across the lake to keep swimmers on a 2 mile race course away from the towers and/or off into open water towards Bomb Island. Stationary boats from the Boating Club of America create the swim lane blocking off from lake. Buoy marks are placed every 1/4 - 1/2 mile thanks to Columbia Sail Club. Kayakers & SUPs will assist in padding with the groups of swimmers ages 11 - 70+ to the finish line at the Lexington park beach. Approximately 200 - 300 swimmers will register for the swim. Best time is 34 minutes; however, swimmers have approximately 1.5 hours to complete the event from their start time.
Kayakers & Paddleboards provide their own lifejackets, whistles, and watercraft for event. Parking is available at the public boat ramp on the Irmo side of the dam. For those who select not to paddle back, volunteers will provide transportation to the irmo side of the dam to pick up their car. (Individuals only. Paddler can drive back to Lexington Finish Line side at Beach where volunteer can assist getting kayak to car.)
A pre-race meeting is held on the Irmo boat landing at 7 a.m. on September 16th. Experienced kayakers and SUPs are needed to help keep the swimmers safe. Questions, please email:
damswimkayakers@gmail.com
