Semana Nautica Summer Sports Festival Beach water polo

Semana Náutica Summer Sports Festival

Beach Water Polo Tournament

The Semana Náutica Summer Sports Festival Beach Water Polo Tournament brings fast-paced ocean competition, summer energy, and classic Santa Barbara beach culture together for one unforgettable day on the waterfront. Played in the open ocean with the Santa Barbara coastline as a backdrop, the event combines the intensity of water polo with the fun, laid-back atmosphere of a beach sports festival.

Part of the historic Semana Náutica Summer Sports Festival — a tradition dating back to 1933 — the tournament welcomes athletes, locals, and spectators to enjoy exciting matches, ocean conditions, and community competition under the summer sun. Teams and players compete in a high-energy format designed to keep games moving, encourage nonstop action, and create an enjoyable experience for athletes of all levels.

Whether you're diving into the surf, battling for possession in the ocean, or cheering from the sand, the Beach Water Polo Tournament captures everything that makes summer sports in Santa Barbara special: competition, community, and the ocean lifestyle.

Game Format / Schedule

• Each game consists of 7 minutes of continuous play.
• After each game, there is a 2-minute transition period for teams to exit and the next group to enter the water.
• During the 2-minute break, the next teams must be ready and prepared to enter promptly to keep the schedule running smoothly.
• Games will run in a continuous rotation format to maximize playtime and ensure all teams get multiple opportunities to compete.
• Only players actively participating in the current game are allowed in the water. All other players must remain clear of the competition area until their game begins.

Rules

• All players and spectators must demonstrate respectful and sportsmanlike behavior at all times.
• Participants must check in prior to their first scheduled game.
• Every player must complete registration and any required waiver forms before entering the water.
• Players will be issued a wristband, which must be worn at all times. Only players with a valid wristband are allowed to participate in games or enter the water.
• Players participate at their own risk.
• No jumping off the pier is allowed at any time. Any participant who jumps off the pier will be immediately removed from the event and banned from participating in the following year’s tournament.
• Event staff and referees have final authority over all gameplay, rule interpretations, and safety decisions.
• Unsafe conduct, fighting, excessive aggression, or harassment may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.
• Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are strictly prohibited in all player, competition, and event areas.
• Players must immediately follow all instructions from referees, lifeguards, and event staff.