By: Reid Murphy
Rain or shine, hot or cold, the Duval Open Water Swim Club takes to the waters of Jacksonville Beach every morning. For nearly 30 years, this diverse group of swimmers- of all ages and backgrounds- has gathered to swim over 1-mile a day in the open ocean.
The winter of 2025 presented an especially challenging season. During a record-breaking cold snap of 27 degrees, many Beaches residents hunkered down for what was dubbed a “Florida Snow Day.” But not these swimmers. Committed to their consistent practice, The Duval Open Water Swim Club braved the elements.
Some call it Masochism; these swimmers call it discipline Driven by their shared pursuit of physical and mental resilience, this club embodies the power of consistency and shared challenge.