Alcatraz Island was converted into a federal prison called the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1934. The prison formally closed in 1963. The island became a major tourist attraction, the start of popular triathlon events, and the site of prison island swims from and to Aquatic Park in San Francisco Bay.

But today, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, “REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!“

If Alcatraz becomes a high-security federal penitentiary, there are certain security measures that are taken, including

• The use of mobile patrols around the institution’s perimeter 24 hours per day.
• Armed guards on gun towers are positioned around a prison’s outside perimeter. These guards monitor the movement and activities from inside those gun towers.
• Perimeter barriers that separate the prison from the community.

If this presidential directive is implemented and Alcatraz becomes a high-security prison, will the island swims and triathlons continue?

It remains to be seen what will happen to open water swims to, from and around Alcatraz island.

For more information about The Rock, visit the National Park Service Alcatraz Island page here.

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.