VBLA 2026 Ocean Swim Series Race 2: 3K or Mile

The Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association (501C-3) is ready to host its world famous Ocean Swim Series again in 2026. The goal of the races is to provide high level ocean swim competition for the experienced and competitive racers; while also providing a safe and comfortable experience to those ready to give open water swimming a try. In addition, the series celebrates, highlights, and supports today's surf rescue heroes staffing the lifeguard stands in Virginia Beach.

Competitors may choose one, two, or all three races to compete in during the summer. Every racer will receive the 'must have' Race T-shirt, a bright swim cap, and other goodies yet to be determined. The race start coincides with the opening of the guarded day with additional staff monitoring the race from the water and the shoreline.

The 2026 Series Notes:

• No Race-Day Registration

• Awards may be distributed on site or at a later date.

• There will be two waves, Wave 1 is for those challenging for overall victories and and Wave 2 will be those more relaxed or novice participants. Age group placement will be by time only, so Age Group champions can come from either wave.

• Each Race will have different start and stopping points - the race descriptions has them now but they are subject to change and emails will be sent prior to each race with final instructions.

The VBLA Swim Series puts an emphasis on safety, fun, and promoting open water swimming to as many swimmers as possible.

[The Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association is a 501C-3 Non Profit local chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), the national organization of open water lifesavers committed to reducing drowning and preventing injury in the aquatic environment. The VBLA is comprised mainly of current members and alumni of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service,and friends of the surf lifesaving community.

Each summer the VBLA completes its mission of promoting beach safety through multiple avenues. The VBLA has provided free public safety presentations to elementary schools, military commands and fortune 500 companies. VBLA members volunteer to monitor open water events that raise thousands of dollars for charities. Finally, VBLA hosts and participates in local, regional and national competitions to motivate guards to train harder and better work together to protect the citizens and visitors to Virginia Beach.]

In 1999, The Allen Stone Braveheart Memorial Races started as the Braveheart Run Swim Run, to benefit the American Heart Association. Allen Stone, a local Navy SEAL, and friend of the race committee, raced and won his age group. Tragically, Allen died in a SEAL training accident just a few months later. The race committee decided to rename the race in Allen's memory. Since then, the race has added a 5K and a kids 1 mile race to have something for everyone in the family.

This event has raised over $1 million for our charities, the Navy SEAL Foundation, Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Association while honoring those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

The VBLA Ocean Swim Series 5K or Mile Swim ends a summer of racing for the series participants. The 5K is a challenge for swimmers ready to set big goals and achieve them, while the 1-Mile option tests improvement from the first &/or second race (noting that conditions, tides and wind make every race different) The VBLA Swim Series is meant for experienced ocean racers and novice open water swimmers alike. Come find out how much fun it is to race without lane lines to guide you among a community of motivated swimmers ready to race and enjoy open water fun together.

5K

Start: 4th Street

Mandatory Water Stop: 14th Street prior to the Pier, reentry 15th Street north of the Pier.

Finish: 42nd Street

Mile

Start: 27th Street

Finish: 42nd Street