Escape from Alcatraz

The Ultimate Challenge

The Alcatraz Swim is Team Hydro's flagship swim, requiring Team Hydro members to brave over 1.8 miles of icy currents from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco's Aquatic Park, through the frigid (and shark-infested!) waters of the San Francisco Bay. We have crossed the bay annually since 2008.

Often referred to as "The Rock," Alcatraz Island served as a maximum security prison from 1933 to 1963, and was used to house some of the most notorious criminals of American history, including Al Capone, Robert "the birdman of Alcatraz" Franklin Stroud, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

Breaking the "Impossible"

Though a total of 36 prisoners attempted escape—most famously including the intricate and mysterious attempt of Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin—the penitentiary claimed that no prisoner ever successfully escaped from Alcatraz prison or survived the swim to shore.

Many claimed the route "un-swimmable" due to the icy temps and strong currents which run through the Bay. But armed with resolve, resilience and fortitude that mirrors that which people living with hydrocephalus must demonstrate every day, Team Hydro swimmers, on the other hand, have successfully completed this perilous swim over 1,000 collective times.

Our Mission in Action

We truly hope and believe that just as we triumph over this swim that was long-thought impossible, we will also one day triumph over hydrocephalus. We are certain that one day, a cure for the difficult and life-threatening disease of Hydrocephalus WILL be found!