Dive In, Raise a Toast, and Light Up the Night: 4th of July Wreck Swim & Fireworks

The American flag went up on the wreck of the SS Breconshire over the weekend, marking the countdown to a Fourth of July tradition that is uniquely Vero. At 8 AM on July 4th, swimmers plunge into the ocean for the annual Swim to the Wreck.

Photo Credit: Jim Wilson's Photography

What began twenty years ago when the Sunrunners group started this celebration with under 20 people has grown into something extraordinary. The simple idea of swimming, paddling, or snorkeling to this historic wreck (The Boiler Wreck) on Independence Day now stands as the iconic Vero Beach tradition every 4th of July.

Awaiting 300 yards offshore is the SS Breconshire—which sank in 1894 and now teems with tropical fish, serving as an artificial reef for surrounding coral. Swimmers journey out together in the shallow waters to raise a champagne toast at the site of the wreck.

The party goes on at Costa d'Este after the swim!

By evening, Riverside Park will fill with families staking their claim on the grass for the annual fireworks show. Johnnie & The Blaze take the main stage at 6 PM, before fireworks light up the sky starting at 9 PM.