Swim Marathon Boat Needs & Requirements

The Annual Swim Marathon Event requires 80+ volunteer boats which translates to a recruitment effort of registering 100 to 120 boats (due to breakdowns and cancellations)

Escort Boats (35 – 45 boats):

Our greatest need is to secure escort boats that have the capacity to host a relay team. Escort boats carry swimmers and support people that have been designated to assist in the safety of the Swim.  Depending on the swim category, an escort boat will need to comfortably accommodate 4 - 8 people above and beyond the boat captain, boat crew and their guest(s). For example, a solo swimmer escort will need a capacity for 4 people, namely, the swimmer, his/her crew, Swim Observer and EMT. 

Swim Category and Capacity Need:

  • Solo Swimmer - Capacity = 4

  • Two-Person Relay - Capacity = 5

  • Team Relay - Capacity = 7-8

These boats are typically 25 to 36 feet, with a VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter, and must have a Shaded Area, a Swim Platform and/or Boarding Ladder, and a Marine Toilet. Sailboats and Power Boats with inboard engines are preferred.

Perimeter Boats (35 – 40 boats):

These boats protect and guide the Escort boats across the Sound. They are assigned on the West, East, Southern (Back) side of the SWIM field.  Several of the Perimeter Boats will also serve as back-ups to Escort boats should there be a breakdown or cancellation. These boats are typically 20 to 36 feet, with a VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter, and ideally Radar.

Perimeter Management (4 boats):

Four boats are assigned to Perimeter Management.  These boats are typically 28 to 36 feet and must have at least one VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter, Radar.

Lead Boats (2 boats):

Typically Large Sailboats (35+ feet) must have Radar, a GPS Chart Plotter, and VHF Radio

Medical Support Boats (4-6 boats):

These boats are typically 25 to 30 feet, with a VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter, and capable of carrying an al EMT Team (2-3) onboard along with their equipment.  A Medical Boat should also be capable of transporting an injured or ill person to a designed launch location in NY or CT if required. 

Media Boats (1-2 boats):

These boats are typically 28 to 36 feet, with a VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter,  and capable 5 – 6 Additional media people onboard and their equipment.

Committee Boats (7 boats):

The Swim has four Committee boats used by Swim official that are typically 40 – 45 foot Fly-bridge boats. They must have at least one VHF Radio, GPS Chart Plotter, Radar and electrical power available on the bridge.  Smaller Rover boats provide support to the Committee Boats. These boats are typically 20 to 25 feet, with a VHF Radio.

Kayaks:

Kayakers based in Long Island assist the Swim at the start off the beach in Port Jefferson.  The Swim also requires kayakers at Captain's Cove to assist swimmers in Blackrock Harbor to the finish.  Kayakers should have proper safety equipment and a marine radio.

Jet Skis:

Jet Skis based in Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport assist the swimmers at the finish line to safely navigate back to their escort boat. A minimum of two jet skis are needed. Jet Skiers should have proper safety equipment and a marine radio.

Buoy Deployment/Retrieval:

Boaters are needed the day before and at the end of the Swim Marathon to help place and retrieve approximately 10-12 buoys along the swim path between Port Jefferson and Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport. If you are able to assist, please contact Jeff Heisner at heisnerjeff@gmail.com

For more information about becoming a boat captain, please contact
our boat recruiter, Bill Selski at swimboatrecruiter@gmail.com