The Wardle Family YMCA’s 7th Annual Beaufort River Swim will be held Saturday, June 15, beginning at 8 a.m. 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 Marina, adjacent to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

The River Swim is quickly becoming a Lowcountry tradition, with participants of all ages and levels: triathlete, 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 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.”

He added, “The event grows in popularity each year, attracting Olympians like Carlton Bruner and master swimmers like Pete Palmer. We hope for a fantastic turn out this year.”

In 2012, approximately $3,200 in scholarship funds were given to  the Y’s Learn-to-Swim programs, group pool times and aquatic safety outreach programs. The YMCA impacted more than 1,100 individuals during the year and taught more than 640 people in its Learn-to-Swim programs.

The cost to participate is $40 and all proceeds directly benefit the Y’s Learn-To-Swim programs. Inquiries may be sent to aquaticsymca@hotmail.com. Online registration is available at active.com or www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com or www.beaufortriverswim.com.
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