Facts about the Santa Barbara Channel - "Swimmers' Paradise"

• The distance from the Islands to the mainland varies from 12 to 30 road miles as the crow flies.
• The best time to attempt a crossing is from July through early October, but it is possible to swim anytime of the year.
• The Channel has mild currents.
• The average water temperatures in winter is 50-60 degrees F (10-15 C); in summer 60- 70 degrees F (15-21 C). Temperatures are warmest in September.