Category: wave maker

Maya Merhige x Swim Across America Media Highlights

Posted on Posted in #MakingWavesToFightCancer, #SwimAcrossAmerica, beneficiaries, Events, Fundraising, Junior Advisory Board, Making Waves With Hope, Messages of Hope, News, san francisco, Top Fundraisers, wave makerTagged , , , , , 1 Comment

Media coverage celebrating Swim Across America – San Francisco participant and marathon swimmer, Maya Merhige. Learn about Maya and her record-breaking marathon swims at swimacrossamerica.org/maya. For media inquiries, email Jeni Howard.

Cook Strait Swim – March 2025

Berkeley High Jacket: “Teen swimmer Maya Merhige makes waves around the world”

Radio New Zealand (RNZ): “Maya swims everything”

SwimSwam: “17-Year-Old Open Water Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

Swimming World: “Maya Merhige, 17, Adds Crossing of New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

World Open Water Swimming Association: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”

The Sports Column: “Making Waves to Fight Cancer, 17-Year-Old Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait”

KPIX-TV (CBS, 5): “Berkeley high school student completes daunting open water swim in New Zealand”

SAAswim.com: “17-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Conquers New Zealand’s Cook Strait, Continuing Her Mission to Make Waves to Fight Cancer”

English Channel Swim and Triple Crown – July 2024

NBC News Now: Teen swims English Channel to help fight cancer

People Magazine: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”

New York Times: At 17, She’s Already Conquered Some of the World’s Big Swims

The Sports Column: “16-Year-Old Maya Merhige Swims English Channel, Raises +$100,000 to Fight Cancer”

SwimSwam: “16-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE SUCCESSFULLY SWIMS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL”

Berkeleyside (updated): “Berkeley teen braves sharks and hyperthermia in world record swims. What keeps her going?”

Yahoo! Sport: “16-Year-Old Successfully Swims the English Channel — Up Next? Her Senior Year of High School”

Swimming World: “Maya Merhige Swims English Channel at Age 16 to Complete Open Water Triple Crown”

Outdoor Swimmer: “16-year-old Maya Merhige to swim English Channel”

SwimSwam: “16-Year-Old Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige to Tackle English Channel”

The Sports Column: “Maya Merhige: ‘I Swim for Each and Every Person Who Has Ever Been Touched by Cancer’”

News and Views on the State of Swimming: “MAYA MERHIGE, 16, TO TACKLE ENGLISH CHANNEL & EARN TRIPLE CROWN IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH”

East Bay Times: In brief: Berkeley girl, 16, swims English Channel, helps fight cancer

SF Gate: California Teen Swimmer Makes History With ‘Triple Crown’

The Mercury News: Berkeley teen swims English Channel, completing Open Water Triple Crown for a greater cause

SwimTrek: ‘The Girl That Does Those Crazy Swims’: Maya Merhige

20 Bridges Swim, Manhattan, NY – July 2023

ABC World News Tonight: “15-YEAR-OLD SWIMMER TAKES A LAP AROUND MANHATTAN”

WABC-TV: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

ABC “Good Morning America”: “15-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE SWAM AROUND THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN”

ABC News Live: “ABC NEWS PRIME: SEARCH FOR PA FLOOD VICTIMS; AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN IMMIGRANTS; TEEN’S EPIC SWIM LAP”

PEOPLE: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL TAKES 28.5-MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Access Daily Hollywood: “SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – SOCIAL STAR OF THE WEEK”

Swimmer’s Daily: “15-YEAR-OLD GIRL SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Breitbart: “CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SWIMS 28.5 MILES AROUND MANHATTAN FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Upworthy: “TEEN COMPLETES A 28.5-MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

CNBC “MAKE IT”: “THIS 15-YEAR-OLD SWAM 28.5 MILES AROUND THE ISLAND OF MANHATTAN: ‘I DIDN’T KNOW THAT I WAS BREAKING RECORDS’”

The Sports Column: “TEEN CONQUERS SWIMMING CHALLENGE IN FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER RESEARCH”

Swimming World: “MAYA MERHIGE, 15, COMPLETES 20 BRIDGES SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN FOR CHARITY”

KTVU-TV (FOX, 2): “BERKELEY TEEN MARKS ANOTHER FEAT, BECOMING ONE OF THE YOUNGEST TO FINISH 28.5 MILE SWIM AROUND MANHATTAN”

WQAD-TV (ABC, 8): “15-YEAR-OLD SWIMS AROUND MANHATTAN, UNDER 20 BRIDGES TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER”

KTVU FOX2 San Francisco: “BERKELEY TEEN MAKES SWIMMING HISTORY”

Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel Swim – January 2023

SwimSwam: “27 HOURS LATER, 15-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE BECOMES YOUNGEST TO SWIM 28-MILE KAIWI CHANNEL”

Lake Tahoe – July 2022

KTVU FOX2 San Francisco: “14-YEAR-OLD BREAKS SWIMMING RECORD IN LAKE TAHOE”

Catalina Channel – September 2021

SwimSwam: “14-YEAR-OLD MAYA MERHIGE BECOMES YOUNGEST WOMAN TO SWIM ACROSS CATALINA CHANNEL”

TEAM KiDS HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN ALL EIGHT SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND POOL SWIMS

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Dan Levy, of Chappaqua, NY, has participated in Swim Across America – Long Island Sound community swims since 2008, when his sister, Karen Marcum, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. Swim Across America events gave Dan an opportunity to honor his sister’s memory while raising funds for cancer research.   

“I have swam my whole life and I was a coach at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club for 25 years, so supporting Swim Across America is the best way to honor my sister while doing something I love,” said Dan.

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is Swim Across America’s largest and longest-running open water swim raising more than $25 million since 1992. 

On July 27, the community will hold its 32nd annual event at the Larchmont Yacht Club and welcome more than 700 swimmers and volunteers. The community swim benefits Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medicine.

In addition to the annual open water swim, SAA-Long Island Sound hosts many pool swims in the Westchester, NY area. And this year, Dan will swim in all eight of them!

Dan Levy with his sister, Karen Marcum, who passed after a long battle with colon cancer.

“I’m really excited because 2024 is my 8th year participating in all SAA-Long Island Sound pool swims, and thanks to the addition of the same-day pool swim at the Larchmont Shore Club, there are eight swims!” shared Dan.

Dan’s tour of pool swims started in 2016 and he has upheld the tradition ever since. In addition to the pool swims, he swam in the SAA-Long Island Sound open water swim in 2021.

Dan Levy in 2018 after completing all of the Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims.

“In 2016, my Westchester Masters teammate, Carrie Dillon, and I completed the mile swim at all of the SAA-Long Island Sound pool events,” said Dan.

“I feel so proud, honored, and fortunate to use my lifelong love of swimming to help raise funds for research and treatment to support and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer now or in the future.”

This year, Dan is swimming as captain of Team KiDS, an acronym created in memory of loved ones and community members who have fought cancer. The team has more than 20 members participating in various pool swims.

In total, Dan and his teams have raised close to $500,000 for Swim Across America – Long Island Sound.

Dan started Team Karen after his sister passed in 2008. Shortly after, the team name was changed to Team Karen and David to honor David Simon, a member of the swimming community.

“A year before my sister passed away, David Simon lost his battle with cancer,” shared Dan. 

“David was the father of two members on our summer swim team, the husband of the then-Board President, and our team’s unofficial photographer.”

The team name evolved again in 2019 to honor a young swimmer, Scarlett Chwatko. Dan’s swim team also found a unique way to ensure Scarlett’s memory lives on.

“In 2019, one of our youngest team members, 8-year-old Scarlett Chwatko, lost her fight against brain cancer. Scarlett was an inspiration to all who knew her,” said Dan.

“Her courage and perseverance were the impetus for the creation of the swim team’s Brave Bunny Award. This award is given to the swim team member who exhibits those same qualities each season.”

After she passed, Scarlett’s brother, Max, created Team BB (Brave Bunny) and the two teams have come together to form Team KiDS.

Dan Levy with Max and Scarlett Chwatko.

“The acronym is for the first names of these three remarkable individuals. Placed together, it is also for the amazing kids and their friends and families who come together every year to show how their love for swimming can make a difference in the ongoing fight against all forms of cancer,” explained Dan.

In addition to Karen, Dave, and Scarlett, Dan also swims for Masters teammates, Jason Troiano and John Needham, and his brother, Alan.

“Alan developed renal cancer and had surgery in Fall 2023. The tumor was malignant, but fortunately, the cancer had not yet metastasized and he remains cancer free to this day. I’m thankful to all the doctors and researchers who work tirelessly towards a cure to this awful disease.”

If you are moved to support Dan Levy and Team KiDS, click here.

DUNCAN RICHARDSON FINDS HOPE IN HIS CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET SUPPORT

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Swim Across America’s guiding principle is “money raised local, stays local.” It is a model that the organization takes great pride in and helps to deepen participants’ connection to the mission. 

This connection is especially evident in communities like Swim Across America – Nantucket, which supports Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) on the island and Mass General Cancer Center in Boston, MA. The community grants are applied to local hospitals and patient care programs to benefit patients and families within their small, tight-knit island. 

Duncan Richardson, a Newton, MA native, and his family have been seasonal visitors to Nantucket for over 36 years which makes it feel like their second home. Duncan joined the SAA – Nantucket community in 2021, and this year, he is swimming in the event for the first time!

Duncan always admired the organization and its mission which became more personal when he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer in 2022. Little did he know how vital the organization’s mission would become to his own life.

Duncan Richardson shared his “Why I Swim” story at the 2023 Swim Across America – Nantucket community event.

“I am a bit of a medical miracle,” said Duncan. “Two years ago, after rapidly losing over 30 pounds, I was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer — a cancer with a very poor prognosis.”

Duncan received swift care and a treatment plan from his medical team, which included the immunotherapy drug Opdivo (nivolumab) and biweekly chemotherapy infusions. 

Duncan and his care team at Nantucket Cottage Hospital where he received treatment for stage four esophageal cancer.

Swim Across America community swims granted funds to doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who implemented clinical trials for nivolumab. The promising results from those trials led to the FDA-approval of Opdivo.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.

And the fact that Duncan was able to receive local, easily accessible medical care had been invaluable. 

“It is hard to overstate in my cancer journey how important to my wellbeing and that of my family the Nantucket Cottage Hospital professionals have been.” Duncan affirms.

“Their compassionate and quality care gives me and hundreds of other residents and visitors the most important thing you can have in battling cancer — HOPE!” 

Duncan is excited for this year’s SAA-Nantucket event, where he will swim the half-mile course with his team, Strokes for Hope. His dedication to Swim Across America is seen with each stroke of his swim.

“That’s why we swim and raise the money for cancer research, the Nantucket Cottage Hospital infusion center and for PASCON. All our strokes are Strokes for Hope!”

If you are moved to support Duncan, click here.

“Without Opdivo — and Swim Across America funding — I wouldn’t be here today. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to anyone who had a part in bringing this research to fruition,” said Duncan.

Marathon Swimmer Maya Merhige Inspires Hope with Swim Across America – San Francisco

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Maya Merhige
Swim Across America – San Francisco
Age: 16

Maya Merhige is just 16 years old, and she has spent half her life participating in Swim Across America – San Francisco. In that time, she has raised over $76,000 for the swim’s beneficiary, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. 

Maya Merhige

“I’ve loved swimming for a really long time,” noted Maya. “Swimming is something that I would do even if I weren’t raising funds. Being able to raise money for something that is extremely important to me and close to my heart by just continuing with something I love is the perfect situation.”

From a young age, Maya understood the importance of raising funds for cancer research. She first swam at Swim Across America – San Francisco when she was nine years old. 

“I swim for each and every single person that has ever been touched by cancer. Whether it’s for a patient, a doctor, a family member, or a friend, I swim for them all,” said Maya. 

“Cancer is one of the most devastating things to go through, and I swim to honor all of those who use all of their strength to fight this disease.

Using strength to fight through challenging situations is something Maya is familiar with. In addition to being a high school junior, a top fundraiser for Swim Across America, and a Taylor Swift fan, Maya is an accomplished marathon swimmer with several record-breaking and high-profile channel swims completed to make up a long list of achievements. 

This summer, she completed her eighth major marathon swim, the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan. She was 15 at the time, becoming only the third 15-year-old to complete the swim, and swam the 28.5-mile course in eight hours and 43 minutes under the bright lights of New York City.  

“I really like the challenge of it. I got to see all of the Manhattan skyline from the water at night, which is something I think not a lot of people can say. It was beautiful!”

Maya and her safety crew after the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan

Last January, Maya became the youngest swimmer in the world to successfully swim the grueling Kaiwi Molokai Channel, between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, which she completed in 27 hours and 33 minutes. She also holds a record for the longest duration, thanks to an incredibly strong rip current.

She is the youngest woman to swim the 21-mile length, 12-mile width, and 10.8-mile Vikingsholm courses of Lake Tahoe, earning her the Tahoe Triple Crown. Read more about Maya, her marathon swims, and progress on fundraising efforts at swimacrossamerica.org/maya.

Maya plans on completing the Ocean’s Seven, which is a series of seven open water channel swims throughout the world. So far, she has completed two, and her English Channel swim is scheduled for July 2024. 

Susan Helmrich, captain of Team Susan Survives and three-time cancer survivor, and Maya

Until then, she’s excited about the Swim Across America – San Francisco open water swim on September 30. She will swim with her team, Team Susan Survives, which has raised over $1 million throughout 17 years of support.

“This year marks the eighth year I’ve been swimming and raising money for Swim Across America – San Francisco,” said Maya. “I originally started swimming to support my dear friend Susan Helmrich, with Team Susan Survives. Susan is an amazing three-time cancer survivor!”

If you are moved to support Maya, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Cancer Survivor’s Journey Comes Full Circle with Participation in Swim Across America – Dallas

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Robyn Starnes
Swim Across America – Dallas
2 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 45

When Robyn Starnes was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, the news hit her like a freight train. 

“Even though I knew that it was a possibility, it still turned my world upside down. I felt broken, like something was wrong with me. I’d never known anyone my age that had battled cancer,” said Robyn.  

Robyn Starnes

Now, nine years later, Robyn is a cancer survivor and has found a new home and strong community of supporters in Swim Across America. And she wears her surgery scar like a badge of honor. 

“After my surgery, I couldn’t talk for a month, I gained a lot of weight, and I felt depressed. Knowing that my life would forever look different is what got me back into swimming; something I hadn’t done in decades but would eventually lead me to SAA. The scar I was so worried about in 2014 is my badge of honor in 2023.”

Robyn’s visit with a specialist was prompted by her primary doctor, who felt nodules during a routine exam. She feels lucky to have received thorough medical care and quick treatment for her thyroid cancer – one of the most treatable cancers.

Wearing her “survivor” badge, Robyn sought a way to get involved in activities that raised money for cancer research and survivorship support. A conversation with a friend introduced her to Swim Across America – Dallas. 

Robyn after her thyroidectomy surgery

“Thanksgiving in 2021, I was talking with a friend’s sister about how we both grew up swimming competitively. She told me about “this thing called Swim Across America” and asked if I’d heard of it. As she explained what it was, I was floored because I felt like it combined everything I loved – swimming, community, and raising money for cancer research. I’m pretty sure I signed up for the 2022 Dallas open water swim the next day!” explains Robyn.

The rest is history. Robyn started asking friends, family members, and anyone in town to support her Swim Across America efforts. She quickly exceeded each fundraising goal she set, raising $4,500 ahead of her swim. Her journey felt as if it came full circle on event day.

“My first SAA swim was also the 8-year anniversary to the day of my thyroidectomy surgery. If that’s not fate telling me that I’d found my home, I don’t know what is.”

That day was particularly emotional for Robyn, as she felt the strength of the SAA community firsthand and listened to the doctors who are funded by the SAA-Dallas event.

“Over the years, I’d participated in local charities that raise funds for the cancer community, but I was moved to tears at my first SAA-Dallas event. Everyone there had a story and they wanted to share it with you. To me, it felt like a groundswell. That THIS was the group that was going to make things happen. Whether I was talking to a fellow swimmer, supporter, volunteer, Olympian, researcher, doctor, sponsor, or donor…everyone knew we were all part of the same mission.”  

If you are moved to support Robyn Starnes, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

TEAM CAROLYN HONORS ONE OF THEIR OWN IN NASSAU/SUFFOLK-SOUND TO COVE

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Steve Chestler gives new meaning to the phrase Swim Across America “champion.”

“The 2022 Nassau/Suffolk-Sound to Cove charity swim was the most amazing event I have ever been to. Hearing doctors and researchers speak about the work they are doing to find a cure for this devastating disease is something my children and I will never forget. It’s what keeps Team Carolyn so focused and determined on fundraising as much as possible.”

This year is Steve and Team Carolyn’s second year supporting Swim Across America and they have made a remarkable impact in those two years raising over $400,000 combined. In 2022, Team Carolyn was the number two fundraising team for Swim Across America.

The team is named in memory of Steve’s wife, Carolyn Jaenisch, who was diagnosed with Terminal Adenocarcinoma in July 2021 and passed away just six months later. Carolyn and Steve have a daughter, Caitlin, and a son, Gregory. Carolyn was an avid swimmer who swam with Long Island Masters and Excel Swim Club for 21 years on Long Island. Read more about the Chestler family here.

“After Carolyn’s passing, getting involved with Swim Across America felt like the most meaningful way our family and friends could honor her and keep her spirit alive,” said Steve.

“The community we have found in Swim Across America is unbelievable. We all want to help and do something for our loved ones, and we are all fighting for a cure. We have a huge extended family here and we are in this together.”

To further this feeling of “extended family,” this year, Team Carolyn is fundraising in support of one of their own team members, Derrick Edwin. Derrick is a seasoned triathlete who unknowingly competed in an Iron Man competition in September 2021 while having colon cancer.

Though Derrick’s Stage 4 diagnosis was shocking, he maintains a positive attitude and upbeat spirit throughout his immunotherapy treatment. And when his friend, Steve, asked him to join Team Carolyn, it was a no-brainer.

“Swim Across America has provided me with an unbeatable support system. I hope to spread hope and positivity to all my cancer warriors fighting this disease. We can beat this!” said Derrick.

If you are moved to support Team Carolyn, you can donate here.

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Breast Cancer Survivor Finds an Inspiring Way to Mark Two Milestones

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Michelle Deaton
Swim Across America – Tampa
Hometown: Wesley Chapel, Florida
2 years supporting Swim Across America
Age: 50

Michelle Deaton has a lot to celebrate this year and she wanted to mark the occasion by doing something she had never done before.

“I turned 50 in March and I’m five years cancer free! What better way to celebrate than with a two-mile swim with Wyatt!”

Last year, Michelle was a proud supporter of her son, Wyatt, who swam 2 miles in the 2022 Swim Across America – Tampa event. He raised nearly $6,000 in her honor. This year, they are training – and raising funds – together. What makes their swim even more special is that the event falls on Mother’s Day weekend.

“I’m so excited that my mom is training to swim with me,” said Wyatt. “She keeps telling me she will swim faster than me and beat me back to the beach. I’m just proud that she is cancer-free, just celebrated her 50th birthday on March 26, and is going to be my swim partner for Swim Across America.”

Michelle is cancer-free but that doesn’t mean she will stop supporting Swim Across America. She is likely one of our most enthusiastic participants!

“I just love, love, love Swim Across America and all it stands for,” said Michelle Deaton. “I talk about the work that Swim Across America supports everywhere I go and to everyone. I’m Swim Across America’s biggest fan. I’m thrilled to be able to swim and be a part of such a great event that impacts the lives of so many. I’m a true believer that when you put your mind to something, it might not be easy, but I’m blessed as I have gone through something tough like a cancer diagnosis, and it made me realize even more how miraculous our bodies really are.”

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

Young Teen Recognizes Swim Across America’s Impact Within His Home

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Owen Johnson

Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

3 years supporting Swim Across America

Age: 13

Owen Johnson is just 13 years old, and he already recognizes the impact funds raised at a Swim Across America charity swim have on patients and families.

“My dad, Brad Johnson, was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer before I was born. He survived because of new medicines discovered by cancer researchers, like the ones funded by Swim Across America.”

In 2020, the then-11-year-old swimmer had the idea to give his dad an unforgettable Christmas present. Instead of exchanging gifts, Owen set up a GoFundMe in honor of his dad’s fight against cancer. Owen raised over $2,000 and since then, has raised another $4,000 through his participation in the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah events.

“I know Swim Across America gives money directly to researchers. My dad was the Event Director for Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah for a few years, and Swim Across America gives grants to cancer researchers at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston where we live.”

This year, Owen and Brad will swim together at the Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah event on June 10. They are also celebrating a remarkable milestone. Brad has been cancer-free for 20 years.

“To celebrate 20 years and all the things my dad has accomplished since beating cancer – Ironman events, marathons, Triathlon World Championships, having a family – we are teaming up to raise $20,000 for the 2023 Swim Across America – Charleston-Kiawah event.”

“I hope that by raising money for Swim Across America, donations will help researchers get the funding they need to help more people like my dad.”

Swim Across America has raised $100 million since its inception in 1987 to support cancer research and clinical trials across the U.S. Please contact Jeni Howard at jhoward@jhowardpr.com for media inquiries.

SAA Debuts WaveMaker Hydro Flask Bottle for 2023

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Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our top fundraisers with the 2023 WaveMaker gift! Swimmers and volunteers who raise $1,000 or more will receive an insulated 32 oz Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle.

As part of the WaveMaker club, we want you to show your SAA pride year-round with a Hydro Flask perfect for any occasion. Ideal for everyday and outdoor adventure, the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth vacuum water bottle packs 32 oz. of hydration, and keeps your beverage hot or cold for hours. Want to take this awesome item home with you? Register today and set your fundraising goal to WaveMaker!

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Swim Across America Debuts Team Captain Package with SAA Hat

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Swim Across America is excited to celebrate our team captains this year by introducing a team captain package! Once you register your team, you’ll receive the package in the mail that includes a new SAA baseball cap (pictured) and resources to be successful.

We hope you’ll be signing up to lead a team again this year and receiving one soon! There is also a new Team Captain Corner page on the website, where you can find everything from email templates to use with your teammates and donors, to online tools and social media resources. You can check out the page at www.swimacrossamerica.org/captains.

Register your team today and start recruiting!