Daring New Year’s Dive: South End Rowing Club Swimmers Make Waves from Alcatraz to San Francisco in 2025!

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Participants from all over the Bay Area celebrated the arrival of 2025 by taking part in the traditional New Year’s Day swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco.

This event is a practice that the South End Rowing Club has upheld for over twenty years.

“It’s a fantastic way to commence 2025,” stated 79-year-old swimmer Levy Gerzberg.

This is not merely a competitive race; rather, finishing last is as significant as being the first one out of the water.

“After getting only two and a half hours of sleep, I’m alright,” Gerzberg remarked. “I should have opted for Uber.”

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He is amongst 56 courageous swimmers from the South End Rowing Club who willingly leaped into the Bay from Alcatraz, not long after the new year had commenced.

What appears to be a monumental achievement for some, is simply a usual morning swim for others.

“This marks my 111th Alcatraz escape,” Gerzberg remarked.

Gerzberg swam in memory of his deceased coach, with whom he trained for 12 years across six different nations.

“I was reflecting on many things, particularly my Coach Pedro who passed on the Fourth of July,” he commented.

Fran Hegeler, a former president of the South End Rowing Club, stated:

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“For us, it signifies how we commence the new year,” Hegeler expressed.

She mentioned that the 1.25-mile swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco is a custom they have sustained for over twenty years to celebrate each new year, symbolizing a fresh start.

“Water represents purification. Water denotes renewal. It’s a fresh start, and diving into 51-degree waters is indeed a reset. Let me tell you, these participants were diving in the dark this morning,” she noted.

They certainly did not venture alone; for every swimmer, there were equally as many volunteers in and around the water ensuring safety.

“All swimmers are supported by rowers and individuals in zodiacs who ensure our safety. We certainly need permits to conduct such events. There are safety protocols in place,” she stated. “We perform this annually and it operates seamlessly.”

Every swimmer departed with an Irish coffee and aspirations for the year ahead.

“I wish everyone a joyous new year!” Gerzberg exclaimed.