Say YES! to Life Swims

One of Seattle’s favorite swims! Challenging and fun, this event fills fast.

How to Participate

Have you completed a 5k recently? If so, the OctoChallenge has your name on it.

Criteria: All OctoChallenge registrants must complete at least one swim of 5k or longer by August 11th, 2026. Guila must receive proof of completion via GPS screenshot, competition result, observer notes, or truthful statement.

NOTE: We have now matched all our core paddling escorts with swimmers. Each newly registering swimmer MUST recruit a designated paddling escort (SUP or kayaker). All escorts must register.

Registration closes at midnight Tuesday, August 11, or when all spaces are filled. Register early to secure your place.

Date: SATURDAY, August 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $175 Includes OctoChallenge medal

MANDATORY SAFETY MEETING (ONLINE)

7:30 pm PT, Thursday, August 13th

You must participate in this meeting in order to swim. Please factor this requirement into your decision to register.

Details

Location: Lake Washington
Length: 8k (approximately 5 miles)
Level: Challenging. Please register only if you are confident in your ability to swim the entire distance. There is a 4.5 hour cutoff; for safety reasons we will pick up swimmers who have not finished by 1:30 pm.
Water: Fresh
Wetsuit: Your choice to wear one or not

Waiver/Safety Plan

To swim with us, you must read and agree to the Say Yes to Life Liability Waiver/Safety Plan.

See a complete list of 2026 events.

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Sorry, no refunds or registration transfers.