2026 Women Swimmin' & Go the Distance for Hospicare

Lake Swimmer Information

Women Swimmin' is a non-competitive, community swim that depends on the cooperation and good will of all involved for its success. The impact of your swim will be felt by our patients and their families throughout the year. The funds you raise directly support our ability to provide expert, compassionate, and excellent care that our patients and families need. These donations also underwrite the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Residence, bereavement services, and community education.

********************************

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Teams vs. Pods

Over the years there has been some confusion between 'Teams' and 'Pods'. To keep it simple: 

  • Teams are fundraising teams and have nothing to do with who you are assigned to swim (or paddle) with, people create teams to honor a loved one, through their place of work, etc... (the top fundraising team(s) receive prizes).
  • Pods are who you swim (or paddle with) and while we try to keep people in the same team together this cannot be guaranteed. In late June, swimmers will receive a 'pod request' email - this is where you would identify who you want to swim with (paddlers are given the opportunity to indicate the swimmers they'd like to paddle for during registration). This year's pod request opens 06/29/2026 and closes Tuesday  07/14/2026.

********************************

Click here to see the swim day schedule. 

As a Lake Swimmer for Women Swimmin' for Hospicare, you agree to:

  • Pay a non-refundable $30 registration fee. 
  • Raise at least $300 ($330 minus the registration fee) for Hospicare by Tuesday, July 14th (same day as the confirmation date - see below). You will have a personal fundraising page and will be able to easily gather donations from your friends and family in support of Hospicare, no matter where they live!
  • There is a confirmation of July 14, 2026, at which point we ask if you do not plan on swimming you let us know. 
  • Swim and follow the rules outlined by Hospicare and the Women Swimmin' for Hospicare Committee, including, but not limited to, not entering the water unless specifically directed to do so, staying within the designated swim course.
  • Swim across the lake under your own power (fins allowed).
  • Stay home if you feel sick or have a cough, a fever, or are having difficulty breathing on the day of the swim.
  • Let us know if you realize at any point that you won't be able to participate in the swim.  Perhaps you'd want to Go the Distance instead, or just fundraise! Whatever you choose to do, your personal fundraising page will remain active so your friends and family can still donate in your honor to support Hospicare.
  • Wear a swim buoy and tracking bracelet.

Packet Pick-up

All Lake Swimmers are expected to go to packet pick-up during one of the times listed below. If you can't make it, let the Women Swimmin' staff know by emailing womenswimmin@hospicare.org. You can have a friend or swim buddy pick up your packet for you (if you've raised your fundraising minimum), or we can make arrangements if none of those options work for you.

All packet pick-ups are at Hospicare's Ithaca office at 172 E King Road, Ithaca. Participant packets are for Lake Swimmers and Going the Distance participants. Volunteers can also pick up their T-shirt and nametag at the packet pick-ups.

Hours for packet pick ups:

  • Tuesday Aug 4, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday Aug 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday Aug 5th 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 am

Your Swimmer packet will include:

  • Information about your pod and what time you need arrive and where
  • A 2026 T-shirt
  • Incentive prizes for those that have raised more than $600 or $1,200
  • PLUS! A few special surprises

Note: All donations made before Friday, August 7th at 5pm will be counted towards leaderboard prizes and incentive gifts.

Safety Information for Women Swimmin'

Please review the the Safety Information page (stay tuned link will be added) and especially the Women Swimmin' for Hospicare Safety Manual for Swimmers & Paddlers to understand our event safety plans, procedures and expectations. Registered Swimmers will receive regular emails throughout the summer from Hospicare with important reminders about Women Swimmin' and other information.

How to Pack for Swim Day

Check out this great resource developed by a fellow swimmer, Audrey Hopkins!