Comment by dexwiz

14 hours ago

Alcatraz isn't really that far from land, about a mile away. They have events where you can swim to and from it. The currents make it dangerous, but the distance is unremarkable.

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dexwiz

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dredmorbius  10 hours ago

There are local clubs which swim from the island on a regular basis, year 'round. If not absolutely daily, several times a week.

Water temps vary by time of year, but are particularly mild from late summer through late fall. Even winter-time temps aren't particularly challenging. A dog could easily make the swim.

Currents are a challenge, but mostly if you're planning on landing at a specific point along the shore. If your goal is simply to make it to shore, they're far less an issue. Just swim cross-channel and you'll make it.

The physiological and psychological challenges are greatly overblown.

loloquwowndueo  12 hours ago

Most people cannot swim a mile.

  • defrost  12 hours ago

    All the same every year > 2,000 people attempt the 12 mile swim to see a cute Quokka on Rottnest Island.

    * https://rottnestchannelswim.com.au/

    * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottnest_Channel_Swim

      The 36th annual Rottnest Channel Swim will be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

    Mind you, that's largely Australians who grow up swimming more than many US Navy SEALs do.

    Come on down, the waters fine, the sharks rarely nip.

    I'm suprised to see a HN comment along the lines of "most people don't ...", after all, most people don't program computers, start million and billion dollar companies, build out datacentres, fly planes, ... etc. The site is littered with people confidently doing things most people do not.