The Skinny
Dates: Dec. 6, 2025
Location: Fort Myers Beach, FL
Distances: 1 mile OW Swim, 5K OW Swim
Fort Myers Beach will host the Speedo SALT Series Southern Cross, Dec. 6, 2025. An open water weekend designed to celebrate the entire season and the aquatic athlete in us all. Truly something for everyone!
What's in a name: Southern Cross - A navigational beacon (the constellation), a symbol of those who have rendered significant service to a nation (the order of the Southern Cross), and though its constellation is one of the smallest in size of the modern 88... is easily among the most easily distinguished, with one of the strongest and brightest magnitudes measurable.
Sound like someone you know?
This event is named after Gregg Cross, a long-time supporter of the sport of open water swimming and a long-time swim coach in the Fort Myers area. This is our salute to him and all of the “old salts” who have supported this sport for so many, many moons. Thanks for all you’ve done, and continue to do, for a sport we all love. Now, time to celebrate and have some fun!
The Details
Registration Dates
On-line registration closes at 5 pm on Fri. Dec. 5, 2025
On-site registration Sat. Dec. 6, 2025
Registration Includes:
Race Entry
Race Swim Cap
Welcome Gift*
Overall Race Awards
Age Group Race Awards
Unlimited, Free High 5s
Schedule of Events (times are EST)
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 * Times subject to change
Location: Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL
7:30 am Athlete Check-In/Body Marking Opens
***You must bring a photo ID (Drivers License) and sign an event waiver on-site when checking in.***
8:45 am Athletes start lining up for spaced wave start
9:00 am 5K Race Begins
10 min after final 5K swimmers are in the water - 1 mile Race Begins
12:15 pm - Approx. time for Southern Cross Event Awards
Race Details
Course Map
1 Mile - 1 lap
5K - 3 laps
Wetsuit Policy
Wetsuits WILL be legal if the water temperature is 78 or below
Swim Cap
You must wear the swim cap provided to you for your specific race
Bib Number/Body Marking
You will be assigned a bib number at Registration
If you are not wearing a wetsuit, mark your left and right arms with your bib number on race morning at the Body Marking tent
If you are wearing a wetsuit, mark the outside of both of your hands at the Body Marking tent
This event will be chip timed. You must have a chip and body marking to enter the water.
Athlete Check-In Race Morning
For your safety, you must check in at the Event Information Tent race morning before competing.
Changing Distances
You must swim the distance in which you are registered
Race day changes must be made when checking in
If you switch race distances once the race has started, you will be disqualified.
Course and Swim Direction
Swim Course (see above)
Any swimmer who shortens the course will be disqualified
Water Safety
There will be plenty of water safety personnel on the course, including kayaks, paddle boards, and PWC
You are permitted to hold onto a watercraft momentarily to catch your breath.
You may NOT advance down the course while holding onto watercraft
If you experience any issues while in the water, take off your swim cap and wave it over your head while treading water, and a safety watercraft will come to your aid
Swim Time Limit
You must be able to swim your selected race course within the time limit. Swimmers who do not finish in the time allotted will be pulled from the course.
1 Miles time limit is 1:05:00
5K time limit is 2:45:00
Need to get started training? There are clubs, coaches and training swims across the state of Florida. Check out FLORIDA OPEN WATER for more information.
Awards
Overall Male 1 Mile
Overall Female 1 Mile
Overall Male 5K
Overall Female 5K
Top 3 Male & Female Awards in the following categories:
13 & Under
14-19
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 + up
Refund Policy
Event management reserves the right to cancel the race or move to a later time in the event of inclement weather, emergency, or natural disaster. In the event of cancellation, entry fees will not be refunded.
SHOUT OUT TO THE PARTNERS THAT HELP MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE
