The 2 Mile swim begins at Saba Rock and ends at the beach at Leverick Bay Resort. The 3 Mile swim passes through a gate at Leverick Bay and then heads to a marker at Mosquito Point and then back to Leverick Bay. Photo: Provided

The competitive but fun orientated fundraiser for the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue organization has two 2 distances available to swim: 2 Miles or 3 Miles. Photo: Provided

All money raised at this event goes directly to supporting Virgin Islands Search and Rescue, the water rescue organization of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided

The competitive but fun orientated fundraiser for the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue organization has two 2 distances available to swim: 2 Miles or 3 Miles.

The 2 Mile swim begins at Saba Rock and ends at the beach at Leverick Bay Resort. The 3 Mile swim passes through a gate at Leverick Bay and then heads to a marker at Mosquito Point and then back to Leverick Bay.

Swimmers will be supported by safety Kayaks and safety boats crewed by VISAR personnel who are all trained Emergency First Responders.

All money raised at this event goes directly to supporting Virgin Islands Search and Rescue, the water rescue organization of the Virgin Islands. 

Again this year there is the added attraction of a 2.5 Mile competitive Stand Up Paddleboard course. ‘SUP the Sound’ takes place the same day as Swim the Sound and the race begins at Saba Rock and follows a dog leg pattern across the North Sound ending at Leverick Bay. The course will be marked and there will be safety personnel along the way.

Jenny McCleary is a long time supporter of VISAR and also an active competitor in the event.

“The VISAR Swim the Sound fundraiser race is a fantastic personal challenge. You can choose from the 2-mile or 3-mile race down the sound from Saba Rock to Leverick Bay. Last year was my first and I enjoyed myself so much that I'll be back this year. VISAR keeps a close eye on all participants so you always feel safe, and the water in the sound is lovely and warm,” she said.

The SUP Race begins at 10.00am and starts by circumnavigating Saba Rock counter clockwise.  Then Paddlers follow the course marked with green buoys and end at the gate made by two orange markers at Leverick Bay with the finish line on the beach.

The Swim event starts at 10:30am after the short pre-race briefing.

According to Organisers, “When the race ends, WaterWorld begins at Leverick Bay!” and everyone is being invited for a fun day in the sun and have a delicious BBQ lunch.

There will be games, music, and a raffle with great prizes. Tickets for this event will be available at the Tortola VISAR Base at Road Reef Marina or you can come to Leverick Bay and get your ticket at the door.  Lunch is free for all Swim the Sound competitors.  $25 for Adults and $15 for children.

There will be childrens games and there will also be a grand prize for the winner of the frozen T-shirt contest.