• When does the race start?

  • Are there cut off times?

    • All swimmers must complete their swim distance by 10am.

  • What is the course like?

  • Was that a sunken ship that I saw?

    • Yes, yes it was. Our course takes you right over the George Morley wreck. It is a partially intact shipwreck with complete hull to the keel, and the prop shaft can be seen.

  • Are there any age requirements?

    • All swimmers under the age of 12 who are interested in participating in the 1K or longer distances must have a parent/legal guardian or coach to accompany them for the duration of the swim.

  • I'm a disabled swimmer, can I participate?

    • YES! We would love to have you participate. If you are an athlete with a physical disability and indicate so, you will be contacted by us to arrange guides, handlers, and/or additional support on race day. Questions? Email us at greatlakeplunge@gmail.com.

  • Can I swim with my child?

    • Yes you can, but you will need to register like everybody else.

  • Can I swim with my dog/cat/goldfish?

    • Only if they're able to sign the liability waiver on their own, without outside assistance.

  • Can I swim with my headphones?

    • SwiMP3 devices or any other music apparatus are NOT allowed during any part of our swim event. All swimmers need to be paying attention in case of any notifications needed to be given by on-water safety personnel.

  • Are there awards/prizes/trophies/medals?

    • All registered participants get a turkish style cotton towel and a finishers medal.

    • You can also check out of merchandise at our new shop.

  • Will results be posted online?

    • Absolutely. You wouldn't be able to brag about it otherwise.

  • Will there be a gear check?

    • No. We have found that folks really don’t use the gear check.

  • How are the proceeds from the race used?

    • All proceeds from the race will be used to provide grants to support local water safety training and awareness.

  • Can I get a refund if I can't participate?

    • Sorry, absolutely no refunds.

  • Can I transfer my registration to my best friend/girlfriend/mom/lover if I can't participate?

    • Sorry, absolutely no transfers.

  • Can I postpone my registration to another year if I can't participate?

    • Sorry, no can do either.

  • What happens if the race needs to be canceled due to weather or poor water conditions?

    • If the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department, or the Evanston Fire Department, the Lifeguards, or the Event Director tell us that the water conditions are unsafe, we will cancel the swim.

  • What happens if the water temperature drops?

    • We will be in the lake taking the water temperature 2 hours before the start in order to give you all the best opportunity to swim. If you need a wetsuit, you can rent one here. Our guidelines are:

      • Water Temperature below 65 degrees: wetsuits strongly recommended.

      • Water Temperature below 60 degrees: wetsuits are mandatory.

      • Water Temperature below 56 degrees: the event distances are shortened.

        • 4K race is cancelled

        • 2K race shortened to 1K

        • 1K mile race shortened to 750 meters

      • Water Temperature at or below 53 degrees or below: the event is cancelled.

  • What happens if the water temperature is too high?

    • High water temperature guidelines are:

      • Water Temperature above 78 degrees: no wetsuits allowed.

      • Water temperatures between 79 and 87 degrees: the event distances may be shortened.

        • 4K race is cancelled

        • 2K race shortened to 1K

        • 1K mile race shortened 750 meters

      • Water Temperature above 88 degrees or above: the event is cancelled.

  • Can I switch to a different event/distance the day of the race?

    • Yes. Please let the check-in volunteers know before the first waves starts at 7am.

  • How do I get there? Will there be parking?

    • Click here for more information about event location, driving directions and parking.

  • Can you help me train for this event?

    • We're way too busy organizing the Great Lake Plunge to help you train, but we have partnered with Precision Multisport in Evanston and they've organized coached and group open water swims every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 6:00am. Swimmers of all levels are welcome to sign up and join the group in Gillson Park in Wilmette, IL.