100 years of Crossing the Great South Bay

Written By Craig Low

2026 Maggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim

The 100th running of the Cross Bay Swim got sun and calm seas. Swimmers and their kayak partners left the Fire Island Lighthouse for the 5.6-mile crossing to Gilbert Park in Brightwaters, the course marked by buoys, safety boats, and each swimmer's own kayaker. On shore, family and friends set up lawn chairs and binoculars to watch them come in.

First to the beach was Christopher Arena, 27, of Washington DC, in 1:51:26. First female was Avery Van Tassel, 19, of Bay Shore, in 2:14:03. The field is capped at 125 swimmers — 250 athletes total, counting kayakers.

The event was announced by MJ Voltz, with an opening prayer from Father Sean of St. Patrick's and the National Anthem sung by Teagan McGuire of West Islip. All proceeds benefit the Children's Bereavement Fund of Hospice in Bay Shore. For more information.

Craig Low

Craig Low is a Marketing Operations and Management Consultant with over twenty year experience. As owner of Great Bay Communications, a Long Island, New York based marketing and consulting firm, Craig has advised local governments, businesses and not-for-profits in various contexts including public relations, sales, budgeting, asset management and business development.

https://greatbaycommunications.com
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Beach Report for Tuesday July 28th, 2026