Palm Beach County · South FloridaSalt, sun, and sunrise starts on the open water.
Live sky over the course · scroll to dive in
The Start Gun
Counting down to the sunrise start at Coral Cove Park, Saturday February 13, 2027.
Live at the course, from Open-Meteo and NOAA Jupiter Inlet. Updated every 15 minutes.
About the Weekend
Two days of open water at Coral Cove County Park in Palm Beach County. Flat water on Saturday, the Atlantic on Sunday. Built for first-timers and Olympians alike.
The flat Indian River on Saturday, then the open Atlantic on Sunday. Two distinct challenges, one weekend, one park.
A wetsuit optional division on the metric mile, the 5K, and every Sunday race. Timed, though not eligible for awards.
USA Swimming youth groups and Adult divisions in ten-year increments. From first-timers to seasoned open water swimmers.
The Mission
The Sid Cassidy Open Water Weekend is built to be the road to the Olympic Games, a proving ground for the next generation of world and Olympic champions, led by the man who helped build Olympic open water itself.
The Indian River and the Atlantic, two waters in a single weekend. A complete test of an open water swimmer.
Built to develop and produce the swimmers who reach the world stage, and the Games.
Inaugural Weekend
In February 2026, swimmers from across the country took on South Florida’s fresh and salt water in the first 3K Knockout ever held in the USA.
On Saturday night, everyone came together for “Stories With Sid,” live with Olympic gold medalist Brooke Bennett.
The Winners Circle
The Sea Tiger 3K Knockout was the first ever held in the USA. Two swimmers rose to the top of that world-first field at Tradewinds Park.
3K Knockout ChampionKazakhstan National Team. He came in seasoned, having raced the Knockout at its World Championship debut in Singapore.
3K Knockout ChampionA World Championships silver medalist in the format, and the first woman ever crowned over the 3K Knockout distance on US soil.

Stories With Sid · the Headquarters Hotel
Special Guest
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Brooke Bennett headlined the weekend’s social centerpiece. On Saturday afternoon, Sid revived Stories With Sid, his Florida Swim Network show from the Covid years, to interview Brooke about her first Knockout experience and where open water goes next.
Then they called champion Brinkleigh Hansen up from the audience for her award and a few words. One of the sport’s greats, handing the moment to the next.
Gallery
From the first horn at dawn to the last hand on the finish line.










The Namesake
They call him “Mr. Open Water,” and this whole weekend is built in his image.
A North Carolina State All-American and the world's number four professional marathon swimmer in 1979, Sid Cassidy went on to help build the sport itself. As longtime chairman of the World Aquatics open water committee, he helped create the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim and started the very first one in Beijing.
He has officiated open water at four consecutive Olympic Games and earned a place in the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Since 2006 he has been the Aquatic Director and head swim coach at Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, and that is why this weekend carries his name.
Ask anyone in the sport and you hear the same things. An infectious laugh, relentless dedication, and a gift for building something out of nothing. This weekend brings that spirit to South Florida.
Read his full storyJust looking at their faces when we gave them the certificate, “you’re invited,” was incredible. That’s why I do this.
Race Program
From the 500 meter Splash to the first 3K Knockout held in the USA. Saturday runs the flat Indian River. Sunday turns Atlantic blue.
Events 1 to 4 · 1500m · Saturday · Coral Cove Park · Flat water
USA Swimming age group races (Events 1 and 2) plus Adult races in ten-year increments (Events 3 and 4).
Events 5 and 6 · 3000m · Saturday · Coral Cove Park · Flat water
The first time it has ever been held in the USA, and the newest open water format from World Aquatics. Women and Men.
Events 7 and 8 · 5000m · Sunday · Coral Cove Park · Salt water
Open to Adult and USA Swimming divisions.
Events 9 and 10 · 1000m · Sunday · Coral Cove Park · Salt water
Events 11 and 12 · 500m · Sunday · Coral Cove Park · Salt water
For ages 14 and under.
12 and under · 13 to 14 · 15 to 18 · 19 and over
19 to 29 · 30 to 39 · 40 to 49 · 50 to 59 · 60 to 69 · 70 and over
A wetsuit optional division is offered on the Speedo Metric Mile, the 5 Kilometer Challenge, and every Sunday race. Wetsuit swimmers are timed but are not eligible for awards.
World First in the USA
It is the newest format in open water. The pack starts together, and after each lap a horn cuts the slowest swimmers. The field shrinks until a handful sprint for the title. Watch it play out.
Find Your Race
Tell us a little about you and we will light up where you belong in the water.
YOUR AGE GROUP
HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO SWIM
Pick your age and how far you want to swim.
Event Schedule
Provisional 2027 program, based on the inaugural weekend. Times, venues, and guests to be finalized.
Optional Packet Pickup
Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center lobby
Events 1 and 2: USA Swimming Age Group Metric Mile
12 and under, 13 to 14, 15 to 18, 19 and over
Events 3 and 4: Adult Metric Mile
Ten-year increments, from 19 to 29 through 70 and over
Events 5 and 6: The Sea Tiger 3K Knockout
Women and Men. The first time ever held in the USA
Mingling and Stories at the Drift
Drift Bar and Patio, Town Center Marriott. First drink on the house.
"Stories With Sid" live
with a special guest to be announced
Events 7 and 8: The 5 Kilometer Challenge
Open to Adult and USA Swimming divisions
Events 9 and 10: The One Kilometer Encounter
Events 11 and 12: The 500 Meter Splash
For ages 14 and under
Event Locations
Coral Cove County Park in Palm Beach County holds both days. The flat Indian River on Saturday, the open Atlantic on Sunday.
1600 Beach Road, Tequesta, FL 33469
1600 Beach Road, Tequesta, FL 33469
The Courses
Trace every turn buoy and sight line. Watch a lap unfold in each water.
A flat water course on the Indian River at Coral Cove Park, half a mile north of the Jupiter Inlet. Color-coded loops of 500m, 1000m, and 1500m, stacked to build the 3K Knockout.
Two near-shore vertical lanes for the 500m and 1000m, plus the tall 2.5km rectangular loop out into the Atlantic. Beach to the west, ocean east; all three start and finish at the top.
Travel & Stay
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
About 20 minutes to venues. Best option for most travelers.
Miami (MIA)
About 45 minutes to venues. International hub, more flights.
Car Rental
Recommended for moving between the two venues.
Ride Share
Uber and Lyft are readily available across South Florida.
February in South Florida is prime open water season. Typical water temp 72 to 75°F, air 65 to 78°F.
Suit, goggles, cap, sunscreen, towel, and a change of clothes. A wetsuit optional division runs on the metric mile, the 5K, and every Sunday race. Timed, though not eligible for awards.
Finish Line
There is room in the water for everyone.
Proud sponsors of the inaugural weekend





