What If I Can’t Complete the Odyssey Alcatraz Swim?

The world-famous Odyssey Alcatraz swim brings over 300 swimmers from around the world to the Bay Area each year to complete the crossing from Alcatraz Island to the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.  

Every year, anywhere from a minimum of 300 to 500 swimmers attempt the Odyssey Alcatraz swim, with each public swim ranging from 50 – 100 swimmers. Odyssey recently received a great question from a member of the open water swimming community who is currently training to complete an upcoming Odyssey Alcatraz swim. “How many people attempt this swim, and do not make it?”

How Many Swimmers Don’t Make It?

The Odyssey Alcatraz swim, which is approximately 2-miles, is for relatively strong swimmers who have experience swimming long distances in the open water. Each Odyssey Alcatraz swim includes water taxis, swim support boats, and safety support kayakers.

During an Alcatraz with 80-100 swimmers, we expect an average of 1-2 will ask to end their swim early. We also expect to reposition from 4-10 swimmers to prevent them from being too far off course due to the current. In these instances, our safety team will move swimmers to a safe location and help them complete their swim.

There is still space available in the upcoming 6/17 and 6/24 Odyssey Alcatraz swims. Learn more about the Odyssey Alcatraz swim and register here!

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our top priority is your safety, and we want every Odyssey Alcatraz swimmer to have the best experience possible. Contact us here.