Bring on the Bay Charity Swim 2026 (BOTB 2026)
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Presented by the Nepean Sailing Club (NSC)
Join Us!
Be part of one of Canada’s largest point-to-point open water swims, set in the scenic Ottawa River and hosted in the nation’s capital. Swim either our classic 3 km route or the 1.5 km “out and back” course — all in support of a great cause.
Organizing Body
The Nepean Sailing Club (NSC) is proud to host the 2026 edition of Bring on the Bay. NSC is located in Dick Bell Park, approximately 10 km west of downtown Ottawa.
Address: 3259 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2H 1A6
Phone: 613-829-6462
More info: https://nsc.ca/an/about-nsc
Supporting Swim Clubs & Volunteers
BOTB is made possible by an outstanding volunteer team, with strong contributions from:
- TechnoSport and other local swim clubs
- NSC members and the public
- High school students completing volunteer hours
- Easter Seals Ontario, our charity partner
Volunteers support safety on the water (in boats, kayaks, SUPs), course setup, swimmer support, parking, registration, and much more.
Sponsors
We thank our generous sponsors, including:
- Bushtukah
- Go-Swim
- Kid with a Crayon
(Additional sponsors to be confirmed)
The Swims
3,000 m Swim
- Start Time: 8:00 a.m. (DST)
- Location: In-water start from the east dinghy dock at NSC
- Format:
- 50 elite swimmers begin with a grouped in-water start
- All other swimmers start continuously at ~30 swimmers per minute
- Course:
- 15 floating buoys
- ~30 anchored boats spaced every 100 m as floating safety stations
- All swimmers must wear a provided cap and transponder
1,500 m Swim
- Start Time: 8:20 a.m. (DST)
- Location: Surfer’s Beach, Britannia Park
- Course:
- Out-and-back loop marked by 3 buoys and a turning mark
- Swimmers then join the 3,000 m course to return to shore
- Ends at Surfer’s Beach
An information package will be sent to all registered swimmers approximately 10 days before swim day.
More info: www.bringonthebay.com
Registration
- Opens on or around November 1, 2025 at bringonthebay.com
- Registration fees and fundraising details will be posted at that time
- All participants must sign a waiver prior to swim day
Eligibility
Swimmers of all ages, genders, and nationalities are welcome.
Requirements:
- Signed waiver
- Use of provided swim cap and transponder
- Compliance with swim officials and safety personnel
“Angels” Program
Swimmers with disabilities or those new to open water swimming may request to be paired with an Angel — an experienced swimmer who will accompany them.
Details, including a practice session, will be shared in advance.
Swim Kit Pickup
- Thursday, July 9: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 10: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: NSC Harbourview Hall
Vendor booths and sponsor displays will be available during kit pickup hours.
Out-of-Town Swimmers
We’re pleased to offer a discounted hotel option nearby (details to follow). Accommodation recommendations will be posted on bringonthebay.com.
Parking
Parking is available in Dick Bell Park, a public City of Ottawa park. Please:
- Park only in designated spaces
- Use overflow lots if main lot is full
Overflow parking:
Available at Andy Haydon Park, ~500 m east of the main entrance.
Parking volunteers will assist on:
- Thursday & Friday during kit pickup
- Saturday, July 11 from 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Questions?
Visit www.bringonthebay.com for FAQs and updates.