The Swim Across America Long Beach event in Long Beach, California uses four forms of measurement to determine the temperature of the water.

The first form of measurement is the official temperature taken by city lifeguards. The second form of measurement is from the onboard water thermometer taken by the official lead boat. Officials on the lead boat also toss a portable water thermometer over the side and compare the temperatures to get a good idea of the average water comfort (or discomfort) levels.

The fourth and last form of measurement is an infrared thermometer that instantly produces water temperatures readings when pointed at the water from the lead boat at different points in the race.

The Swim Across America event will have 100m, 800m, 1.5km, 5km and 10km races in the Aquatic Capital of America. The races held in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games rowing basin will be streamed live at www.openwaterswimming.com from 8 am – 3 pm on September 23rd and will benefit the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial.

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