First Known Swims

An FKS is not about setting records for speed or distance. It’s simply a challenge for swimmers to get in the water somewhere that taps into their love of the mountains. To qualify, a swim must take place in a body of water not accessible by car or motorized means of travel. The swim must be a meaningful distance relative to the swimmer’s level of experience. For a proficient swimmer, that might mean swimming a mile on a large lake. For a novice, that could be swimming laps in a small tarn. We hope to inspire swimmers of all types to find their own “bucket list” swims and make them happen. All FKS records will be logged using the honor system.

Open-water swimming comes with risks. All swimmers have a duty to prepare for a safe swim with the appropriate gear, support and training. We urge all swimmers to consult the guidelines established by U.S. Masters Swimming for safely swimming in open water. Swimmers also have a duty to recreate responsibly and be good stewards of public lands.