Swim Across America Nantucket 2026: Date, Location and How to Participate
Swim Across America Nantucket returns to Jetties Beach on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The annual open-water charity swim welcomes participants of all ages and abilities while raising funds for cancer care on Nantucket and research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. This year, organizers hope to raise another $1 million in the fight against cancer.
Swim Across America Nantucket 2026 Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Location: Jetties Beach, Nantucket
Event: Open-water charity swim
Beneficiaries: Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
Ways to participate: Swim, volunteer, fundraise or donate
The main swim events are expected to begin shortly after 8:00 a.m. Participants should consult their registration information for current check-in times, safety instructions and course schedules.
What Is Swim Across America Nantucket?
Swim Across America is a national nonprofit organization that raises money for cancer research, prevention, treatment and patient-support programs through swimming-related events.
The Nantucket swim brings the mission directly to the island. Each year, swimmers, volunteers, spectators, supporters and visiting athletes gather at Jetties Beach to “Make Waves to Fight Cancer.”
Since the Nantucket event began in 2013, it has raised more than $6.5 million for its beneficiaries. The 2025 swim raised a record-breaking $1 million, and organizers hope to reach that milestone again in 2026.
Who Benefits From the Nantucket Swim?
Money raised through Swim Across America Nantucket supports three organizations working to improve cancer treatment, research and patient care.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Funding helps cancer patients receive important oncology services on Nantucket rather than having to travel to the mainland for every appointment. Through its collaboration with Mass General Brigham, the hospital provides access to visiting cancer specialists, oncology nursing and treatment at the Swim Across America Infusion Center.
Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket
Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, commonly known as PASCON, provides care and support to adults living with serious illnesses and their families. Swim Across America funding supports clinical care, support groups, wellness activities and additional services for patients and caregivers. PASCON’s services are provided free to the Nantucket community.
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
A portion of the funds supports innovative cancer research at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Current funding from the Nantucket swim helps advance research into new cell therapies and clinical trials for patients with brain tumors and other cancers.
What Swim Distances Are Available?
Swim Across America Nantucket offers several options for different ages, abilities and levels of open-water experience:
- Kids’ Splash
- Quarter-mile swim
- Half-mile swim
- One-mile swim
- Two-by-two-mile relay
- Four-mile swim
Experienced swimmers can take on one of the longer courses, while children, families and first-time open-water swimmers can select a shorter distance. A virtual SAA My Way option is also available for participants who cannot attend the Nantucket event in person.
Can You Participate Without Swimming?
You do not have to enter the water to support Swim Across America Nantucket.
Community members can register as volunteers, create fundraising teams, sponsor participants or make a tax-deductible donation. The SAA My Way program also allows supporters to raise money through another activity, such as walking, running or biking.
A Nantucket Tradition With a Meaningful Impact
Now entering its 14th year, Swim Across America Nantucket has become one of the island’s most meaningful summer traditions. More than 400 swimmers, volunteers, spectators and supporters typically participate, united by personal stories and a shared commitment to helping people affected by cancer.
The impact reaches far beyond the morning of the swim. Funds help island patients access cancer treatment closer to home, provide support for families navigating serious illness and advance research that may lead to better treatments for patients everywhere.
Register, Volunteer or Donate
Join the Nantucket community at Jetties Beach on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and help make waves in the fight against cancer.
For more Nantucket stories visit our blog at Fisher Real Eastate.