SWIM Across the Sound planned for Saturday

BRIDGEPORT — Supporters are invited to cheer on swimmers in St. Vincent’s 32nd SWIM Across the Sound Marathon, which takes place Saturday.

About 100 swimmers will swim across Long Island Sound, accompanied by a fleet of 65 escort boats and 20 law enforcement boats. The event raises money and support for the thousands of people who are battling cancer and their families.

As the swimmers make their way across the Sound, supporters are invited from 2 to 6 p.m. to cheer them on as they make their final approach to Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport. The dockside celebration is free and open to the public. The maritime amusement center will offer music, entertainment and vendor booths, and the boardwalk shops and restaurant will be open, too. Children of all ages can partake in face painting and balloon art.

Swimmers come from towns across Connecticut, our surrounding states, and as far away as Texas, Tennessee and Florida. The fastest swimmers are expected to start crossing the finish line around 2:30 p.m., depending on the weather. Things will really heat up after 4 p.m when the bulk of the swimmers will finish.

At 15.5 miles, the SWIM is one of the longest challenges on the World Open Water Swim Association Top 100 list. The marathon, which begins at West Beach in Port Jefferson, N.Y., and culminates at Captain’s Cove, includes solo swimmers, two-person relays, and four to six member relay teams. Universities and corporations also form relay teams.

Individual swimmers and relay teams must raise a specified minimum amount of money to participate. Boat captains donate their time and fuel for the day to escort swimmers or serve as perimeter boats. All net proceeds are used to help individuals and families who are battling the many...

from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/SWIM-Across-the-Sound-planned-for-Saturday-14269706.php