liberty to freedom swim
A SWIM TO REMEMBER
A celebration of resilience
Join us for a challenging 2.2 mile | 3.5 kilometer adventure with One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty as your reference points.
The first group of swimmers will swim from Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty (F2L). The second group will swim in the opposite direction (L2F). (NOTE: We will determine which direction you will swim in, and will let you know prior to event day.)
A motorboat escort, personal kayak guide, custom photography and cool swag are all part of the experience.
Established in remembrance of 9/11, this swim celebrates the resilience that is possible in the aftermath of adversity.
Experience Requirement: The Liberty to Freedom Swim is a challenging open water event, involving a Hudson River channel crossing in typically choppy conditions. All participants must provide proof of recent, comparable open water swim experience, and must swim at a pace of 25 minutes per mile or faster.
DATE
September 19, 2026
TIME
F2L: 10:40 AM EST
L2F: 1:05 PM EST
distance
2.2 Miles / 3.5 Kilometers
Entry Fee
$500
Location
Between South Cove and Statue of Liberty
Fundraising Focus
BILLION OYSTER PROJECT
Billion Oyster Project is restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities. Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, and can protect our city from storm damage — softening the blow of large waves, reducing flooding, and preventing erosion along the shorelines. Field stations are restoration sites where Billion Oyster Project, or our partner organizations, host regular field days utilizing an oyster installation. They are targeted for long-term community and student engagement with an emphasis on local involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to a few of the questions we get asked a lot. If you have a question, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!
Participate
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
URBANSWIM exists thanks to people who believe our waterways belong to all of us.
We’re looking for people to help create safe, welcoming and unforgettable experiences—from on-water safety support and check-in, to event management, swimmer outreach, community programming, online story telling and more.
You don’t have to be a lifeguard or an experienced open-water swimmer. You just have to want to help.
Be part of the team that helps New Yorkers get in the water.
