The second annual Clean Ocean Swim at Anguilla’s Festival Del Mar saw a major increase in participation this year, with 42 swimmers taking to the water – up from just 14 in 2024.
The event was organised independently by the non-profit All Nations United Swim Club (ANUSC) as a fun experience aimed at promoting ocean cleanliness, water safety, and the importance of learning to swim.
Participants had the option of a half-mile swim from Island Harbour Bay to Scilly Cay and back, or a full one-mile swim, consisting of two laps.
Upon completion, each swimmer was entered into a raffle, with over US$4,500 in cash and voucher prizes awarded at random, thanks to the support of several sponsors.
“We aim to raise awareness about keeping our ocean and environment clean, and we also hope to bring attention to the importance of water safety,” an ANUSC spokesperson told Anguilla Focus.
They thanked the Festival Del Mar committee for providing the opportunity to host the event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the club.
Tickets to enter were $20 each and funds raised from the event help ANUSC send its competitive swimmers to regional competitions and purchase essential training equipment.
This year’s event attracted swimmers from Anguilla and St Maarten, as well as from other Caribbean islands, the USA, and further afield.
Organisers said the event was a clear success, with swimmers already looking forward to the next Clean Ocean Swim, scheduled for 5 April, 2026.
“We are already working on ways to improve for 2026,” the spokesperson said. “We are optimistic and are aiming for 150 swimmers.
“Anguilla has the perfect waters for open water swimming, and the Clean Ocean Swim is currently the only open water swim in Anguilla.”
Registration for 2026 will open soon, alongside the release of the official flyer.
