The Sandpoint Sharks Swim Club is bringing back its Shark Attack Open Water Swim for the second consecutive year, giving local swimmers a chance to test their skills on Lake Pend Oreille before one of North Idaho’s most popular summer athletic events.
The race is set for Friday, July 31, at City Beach in Sandpoint, with a start time of 9 a.m. Participants will swim a 400-meter course on the open water of Lake Pend Oreille, with supervision and encouragement provided throughout. The registration fee is $30, and treats will be available for all swimmers following the event.
Building Confidence in Open Water
The event is structured specifically with newer open-water swimmers in mind. Unlike competitive long-distance races, the Shark Attack swim is designed to give less experienced athletes a low-pressure introduction to swimming in a natural lake environment. Organizers have emphasized that the goal is participation and enjoyment rather than finishing time or placing.
Sandpoint Sharks officials described the event as being “all about fun, encouragement, and community,” welcoming swimmers who want to try something new, build confidence, or simply enjoy a summer morning on the water alongside friends.
The event is strategically scheduled the day before the Long Bridge Swim, Sandpoint’s well-known open-water competition that draws participants from across the region each summer. The back-to-back timing gives swimmers who may be apprehensive about the longer race an opportunity to acclimate to Lake Pend Oreille’s open water conditions in a more supported setting before the larger event.
All Proceeds Benefit Local Swim Club
Every dollar raised through registration and participation fees goes directly to the Sandpoint Sharks Swim Club, supporting the local youth athletic organization. The club has positioned the Shark Attack swim as both a community-building event and a fundraising opportunity that benefits its ongoing programs.
For Bonner County families looking to keep active this summer, the Shark Attack swim joins a growing list of local recreational events. The Sandpoint Tigers recently launched a new 60-Plus Baseball League, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort opened its summer season in June with expanded biking programs and new amenities — reflecting a broader trend of community-driven outdoor recreation across the region.
What Comes Next
Swimmers interested in registering for the Shark Attack Open Water Swim can sign up through runsignup.com or find the event on Facebook by searching Shark Attack Open Water Swim. With the July 31 date approaching quickly, organizers encourage early sign-up to secure a spot. City Beach in Sandpoint will host the event, and the 9 a.m. start leaves the remainder of the day open for those also planning to participate in or spectate the Long Bridge Swim the following morning.