all photos supplied by SwimAcrossAmerica.org

Swimmers of all ages gathered on Dec. 7, 2025 at Lake Lloyd, a 29-acre freshwater lake, inside Daytona International Speedway and raised funds for pediatric cancer research during the inaugural Swim Across America Daytona open water swim. Organizers reported the event successfully raised approximately $50,000.

First Open-Water Swim Event

The charity swim marked the nonprofit organization’s first open-water event in Daytona and its third event in Florida, including swims in Tampa and the Florida Keys. Participants swam either a one-mile open-water course or took part in a 100-meter Dolphin Dash, a family-friendly option open to children
and adults.

CLASH Endurance Daytona Weekend

Olympic swimmer Paige Zemina Northcutt (1988), participated in the event as a volunteer “swim angel,” offering support and companionship to swimmers in the water. The event was part of the larger CLASH Endurance Daytona Weekend, which included triathlons, duathlons, relay races, aquabike competitions, a kids’ triathlon, a 5K race and a weekend-long wellness expo with food vendors and exhibits.

photos supplied by SwimAcrossAmerica.org

Nicole Meck of St. Augustine, Florida, was one of the participants honoring a loved one lost to cancer. Her team honors Coach Bill Klayer, who was Nicole’s stepfather. Coach Klayer was a legendary Volusia County swim coach who spent more than 30 years shaping young athletes.

“Those who work the hardest are the last to surrender, and that’s how my stepdad lived until his final days,” Meck said. “We lost him earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. He was known for tough-love coaching that helped athletes become better people. We’re swimming and volunteering to honor him and to give more families hope.”

photos supplied by SwimAcrossAmerica.org

How the Funds Support Pediatric Cancer Research Nationwide

The fundraising structure was designed to welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities, with one-mile participants raising a minimum of $400, or $200 for youth swimmers (under 18). Dolphin Dash participants paid a $50 entry fee and were encouraged to fundraise, though no minimum was required. Funds raised support pediatric cancer research through Swim Across America, with additional proceeds benefiting the NASCAR Foundation.

Team captain John O’Brien of Sarasota, Florida, who swims for the National Pharmaceutical Council, swam in honor of his parents and many others impacted by cancer. After completing the swim, he shared that the event was, “A top five lifetime experience!” O’Brien is relatively new to open water swimming, but has been practicing with laps and tips from Swim Across America CEO Rob Butcher.

“Holding this swim is our way of raising crucial dollars that are desperately needed to help further research and hopefully lead to more cures,” said Butcher. He shared that bringing the event to Daytona held personal significance for him.

“Big moments can become inflection points that shape your values,” Butcher said. “Cancer research funds have been impacted this past year with reductions in government funding,” noted Butcher. “Childhood cancers, which already receive a small percentage of research funds, have been impacted even more.”

According to Swim Across America, only about 4 percent of national cancer research funding is directed toward pediatric cancer. Organizers say community-driven fundraising events help address that gap.

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $120 million for cancer research. The organization has helped fund clinical trials that contributed to FDA-approved immunotherapies, including Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq.

Swim Across America hosts open-water and pool swims in 25 communities nationwide. More information about Swim Across America and upcoming events is available at SwimAcrossAmerica.org.