Swim...for the Kids

Seattlest likes a challenge, especially a slightly kooky one, and then if you add a do-gooder element to it we might find it irresistible. But this one is too tough for us.

On Saturday, August 13, 250 mighty strong swimmers will set out on the Puget Sound Crossing for Kids in support of Junior Achievement of Washington. They'll swim from Restoration Point on Bainbridge Island to Alki Beach.

That's three-and-a-half miles, folks. In water temperatures around 51 degrees (yes, they'll wear wetsuits). The swimmers will go in groups of seven, each escorted by a boat that will provide aid if necessary and will keep the swimmers on a steady course. And if you can't swim a 45-minute mile or better, they ask you not to register.

So, Seattlest swim studs, sign up. You'll be encouraged to raise $2,500 for JA--and this writer will chip a little in out of respect.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By susan in News on July 6, 2005 7:22 PM

Comments [rss]

Kate Skeele

As a swimmer, I'm happy to hear that the shipping lanes will be monitored. The water temps didn't worry me, the distance- not a problem...the jelly fish and the behemoth ships- egad!!

officemate

Nice homework! And in light of the recent whohaa over the jailing of Judith Miller, I'm glad you revealed your source. Good officemates are hard to come by.

susan

They'll live--check out the safety precautions, from the website:

Safety Zone

The USCG will designate a safety zone for the event course measuring 1,000 feet wide and 3 ½ miles long. CG VTS will provide a marine advisory alerting commercial and private vessel traffic to the safety zone and related travel conditions.

Incursion Protection

6 craft will police the safety zone from a distance to prevent incursion by outside vessel traffic.

officemate

uh, this is nuts. That gigantic circle and the lines tangent to it on your nifty chart mark the shipping lanes—as in SHIP-ing lanes. Those twenty knot skyscraper-sized behemoths can't exactly stop or turn on a dime. Why not circumnavigate Blake Island instead? If not for safety, then for petesake for the simple fact that a circumnavigation sounds naughtier than a crossing.