Swim Melbourne to Host Inaugural Series of Open Water Events at Paradise Beach Starting March 5

By Space Coast Daily // February 20, 2023

second swim is on March 12 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club

For the first time in Space Coast history, Swim Melbourne is hosting two open water swims on back-to-back weekends starting March 5.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – For the first time in Space Coast history, Swim Melbourne is hosting two open water swims on back-to-back weekends starting March 5.

The first swim is on Sunday, March 5, at Paradise Beach at Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, located at 2301 Florida A1A in Melbourne.

The second swim is on Sunday, March 12, in the Banana River at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.

■ Swim Melb Masters Open Water Series #1, March 5 – The ocean swim is a United States Masters Swimming (www.usms.org) sanctioned event that will help raise funds to support Swim Melbourne Foundation’s mission to promote a safe and active lifestyle for children in the sport of swimming by expanding the opportunities in Brevard County.

Swim Melbourne Foundation President Mike Mirda explained that supporting our children and families takes an entire community of people with active participation.

Registration is $55 for the 1.5K and $70 for the 5K and can be found at 2023 Swim Melbourne Masters 1.5K and 5K Open Water Swims for participants 18 years on race day and older.

The 1-mile wave starts at 9:00 a.m. and the 5K wave at 10:30 a.m.

This event allows wetsuits and has a ‘Just for Fun Division’ for those capable swimmers just wanting to participate.

■ Swim Melb Masters Open Water Series #2, March 12 – The river swim is part of the annual Ron Jon Beach’n Board Fest being held at various locations in Cocoa Beach, FL.

Registration is $35 for the 1.5K and can be found at Swim Melb Series #2 Ron Jon’s Beach ’N Boards Fest for participants 14 years old on race day and up.

Entrants received a discount if participating in both races Race sponsors are Ron Jon and Florida Sports Foundation.

There is a $1000 total prize money for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Open, and Masters Divisions using age group handicapping for swimmers over 18. Participants and spectators can also enter a raffle to win various Beach’n Board Fest-themed prizes.

Race Directors BJ Graham, Zena Courtney, Janet Carbin, and Lisa Hamelin hope that the races will attract more and more swimmers every year to start a great tradition of Space Coast Open water swims and continue raising funds for the Swim Melbourne Foundation.

CLICK HERE to sign up or learn more about the race>>>>