Join us for the 22nd Annual Women Swimmin' for Hospicare

​Take part in a heart-fillin', community buildin' annual fundraising event that culminates on August 9th, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Ithaca Yacht Club where Swimmers, Go the Distancers, Paddlers, Boaters, Volunteers and Community Members gather to witness ~330 swimmers cross Cayuga Lake, supported by 200+ paddlers, boaters, and volunteers. Ending in a celebration of the amazing people, businesses, and organizations that makes this such a successful event!

Women Swimmin' for Hospicare's Mission

Go the Distance for Hospicare and Women Swimmin' for Hospicare is a fundraising event that supports the expert, compassionate care which Hospicare & Palliative Care Services brings to patients and their loved ones at any stage of a life-limiting illness and/or following a death. This event raises funds and provides information and education about the agency and its mission in a manner that is inclusive, fun, and consistent with Hospicare’s ideal of respect for all people.

Click here to see 2025 Women Swimmin' for Hospicare participants

Register

Click the 'Register' button (in the upper right corner) to sign up. Here are some ways you can sign up:

Register to be a Swimmer

In the morning hours of Saturday August 9th, after a summer of peer-to-peer fundraising to raise funds on behalf of Hospicare, you can be one of about 330 women who swim 1.2-miles across Cayuga Lake. The swim, ends at Ithaca Yacht Club where we will gather to celebrate everyone’s efforts with food, music, and a ceremony of thanks to all!

Register to be a Go the Distancer

Women Swimmin' for Hospicare is not just for women or swimmers, anyone can join in the fundraising and create a unique adventure by going-the-distance. You can join by cyclin' or knittin' or bakin' or.... whatever you can dream of you can do to take part AND you get to join in the fun at the celebration on August 9th at the Ithaca Yacht Club.

Register to be a Paddler or Boater

Are you an experienced paddler or boater who loves to be on the lake, but maybe not in it? We encourage you to register for this VERY important role. Be a Support Paddler who escort swimmers across Cayuga Lake; a Kayak Safety Team member and be at the ready to assist swimmers in need; or be a Power Boater or Wave Runner and be at the ready to assist paddlers and/or swimmers in need. (Paddlers and boaters must attend an evening meeting a few days before the swim. Details are on the registration page.)

Want to get involved but none of the above are a good fit (or maybe you just can't have enough and want to do a little more?)...

Stay-tuned to sign-up to volunteer (learn more here in the meantime)

Packet Pick-Ups 

​For swimmers, Go the Distancers, and Volunteers, pick up at Hospicare (172 East King Rd.) 

• Tuesday 8/5 12:00PM (noon) - 2:00PM
• Tuesday 8/5 5:00PM - 7:00PM
• Wednesday 8/6 8:00AM - 10:00AM 

​Lake Swim Clinics

Be sure to sign up for a lake swim clinic by checking out the Swim Clinics page

Cancellations​ of the Swim

Check Facebook or keep an eye on this page (below) for updates and any notice of last minute cancellations due to weather or HABS (Harmful Algal Blooms). Participants will also be alerted to swim cancellation and other important updates via email.

A local meteorologist will be monitoring the weather for the area around IYC for the time period of the swim. HABs reports will be shared on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the event with The Safety Team. A final determination to cancel the swim will be made no later than 6:30AM on Saturday August 09, 2025.

Please continue to monitor the Women Swimmin' Facebook or this webpage page for any updates, or email womenswimmin@hospicare.org if you have any questions.

Important Information & Updates Throughout the Summer

Updates and cancellations will be posted here.