GO / NO-GO DECISION: 5:00 AM

We will email all registered participants and post updates on Facebook and Instagram

Saturday, August 22 · Portugal Cove-St. Phillips → Bell Island

Everything you need to know to plan for a safe, smooth, and successful swim day.

Questions? Contact Mandy at mpalubicki@cmhanl.ca

Tickle Swim 2026: Participant Logistics

1.-Event Morning at a Glance

5:00 AM

Go / No-Go

Decisions & updates sent via email and social media

6:00 AM

Arrive

Arrive at Portugal Cove-St. Phillips and park

6:30 AM

Ready

Fully equipped and ready. Kayakers in the water

6:45 AM

Group Photo

All swimmers, kayakers, and crew, from the swim beach

7:00 AM

Swim Begins

Let’s Go!

2.-Arriving at Portugal Cove-St. Phillips

All swimmers and kayakers should be on site at the Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s ferry terminal for 6:00 am. This is accessed via Ferry Terminal Road.

Plan to arrive early, follow parking guidelines, and help keep the starting line area safe and accessible for everyone.

  • Carpool when possible

  • Park on paved peninsula

  • Do Not park on North Point Road

  • Do Not use church parking lot

  • Do Not block ferry operations

  • Check in with Amanda Dinn

  • Gear up and prepare

  • Listen for instructions

  • Be at the water for group photo

3.-For Swimmers

Kayakers can begin entering the water as soon as possible upon arrival to ease congestion and be ready in the water no later than 6:30 am

4.-For Kayakers

Don’t make your swimmer wait - the water is cold!

There are two beaches from which you can launch:

Launch from the swimmer beach.

Option 1 - Swimmer Beach

Option 2 - Wharf Road Beach

Launch from Wharf Road beach. Paddle around the ferry terminal to meet swimmers.

5.-The Crossing

Start

7:00 AM

Average

2-2.5 hrs

Maximum

4 hrs

6.-Finishing on Bell Island

You did it! Paddle or swim to the finish beach on Bell Island where volunteers will be there to welcome you.

Post-Swim

Enjoy a post-swim meal and access washrooms at Dicks’ Fish and Chips

7.-Family, Friends, and Supporters

Supporters can take the ferry over to cheer you on!

7:20 AM

Ferry to Bell Island

Washrooms available on Bell Island

Bring a chair and dress warmly!

8.-Before Event Morning

Pack your swim gear, goggles, and cap

Pack nutrition and water

Plan your ride and parking

Get a good night’s rest

Apply sunscreen and lip balm

Dress for cool morning weather

We can't wait to see you at the 14th Annual Tickle Swim for Mental Health!

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We can't wait to see you at the 14th Annual Tickle Swim for Mental Health! 〰️