7th Annual Beaufort River Swim

YMCA of Beaufort to host annual Beaufort River Swim

You know that summer is about to arrive in Beaufort when it’s time for the Wardle Family YMCA’s annual Beaufort River Swim.  This year, the 7th Annual swim will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at 8am. The event is a three-mile open water swim beginning at the Port Royal Landing Marina and finishing at the boat ramp at the corner of the Downtown Beaufort Marina, adjacent to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Online registration is available at active.com or www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com, and you can also visit www.beaufortriverswim.com for more info.

The River Swim is quickly becoming a Lowcountry tradition, with participants of all ages and levels: tri-athletes, recreational lap swimmers and competitive age group swimmers. Approximately $3,000 is raised annually for the Y’s Learn-to-Swim programs. YMCA Senior Program Director Rick Simonds hopes to continually increase the success of this event.The 7th Annual Beaufort River Swim launches from Port Royal Landing Marina on June 15th.   Photo by Eric R. Smith

“The River Swim plays an integral role in helping people in our community learn to swim. We are surrounded by water in Beaufort County and it is imperative that children and adults alike have this life saving skill. The event grows in popularity each attracting Olympians like Carlton Bruner and master swimmers like Pete Palmer. We hope for a fantastic turn out this year”, Rick said.

In 2012, approximately $32,000 in scholarship funds were given to the Y’s Learn-to-Swim programs, group pool times and aquatic safety outreach programs. The YMCA impacted over 1100 individuals overall during the year and taught more than 640 people in its Learn-to-Swim programs.

The cost to participate in the Beaufort River Swim is $40, and all proceeds directly benefit the Y’s Learn-To-Swim programs. Inquiries may be sent to aquaticsymca@hotmail.com.