Although the media wants to focus on an incomplete crossing attempt, it fails to recognize that the effort and determination put into this journey is to save lives within Ontario from drowning. I will not downplay my exhausting efforts in and out of the waters the past 2 summers to raise awareness about this preventable cause of death and to raise funds to offer the basic skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water to children. Yes, both years the solo swim event was altered by Mother Nature; however, this in and of itself should speak volumes to those who learn about water and boating safety. This is the reality of our Great Lakes; so many people do not educate themselves before they head to the beach or out in their boats and succumb to the forces out there. Our weather mapping is only a tool and a guideline, the winds, waves, and current are ever moving and can pick up unexpectedly. The attempt last weekend is living proof that when you take the proper precautions, are aware of the conditions, and don't try to beat the lake you can have a safe swim, you can have a safe boat ride. We took swimming and boating safety to the extreme this past weekend, but we were also well equipped with very experienced crew consisting of Boat Captains with many years of Lake Huron experience, Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2 paramedics, a nurse and 9 lifeguards. It was their expertise, quick actions and ability to adapt that made for a successful journey. Let SEALS Swim to Survive solo swims be examples of safe a responsible water practices.
In addition to being leading examples on the Great Lakes, efforts in fundraising will offer 500 children the opportunity to receive Swim to Survive training! Yes, this was not our goal, but this is 500 more children in Ontario that will be offered a life skill (which otherwise they may never have the chance to learn). Can you imagine if every family in Ontario contributed $1.00 to our efforts how many children across our province would receive this life skill?
On July 19th 2014 the Lake Huron solo swim was abandoned due to poor weather conditions that were not predicted. After 15 hours 48 minutes (35.8 kms) of dealing with water temperatures that went down to 63F, air temperature of 62F, head on waves of up to 1.3 meters the swim was abandoned to keep myself and crew safe. To quote my swim master and triple crown marathon swimmer Marilyn Korzekwa, "the lake belongs to Mother Nature and She only sometimes allows us to cross".
Prevention = Life
Thank you to an amazing team:
Captain Wally MacKinnon and the "Ananda"
Captain Dave Palmer, Candace McLellan Palmer and "Far From Working"
Coast Guard Auxilary members: Herbert Paetzold, Christopher Paetzold, Roy Bulizo and the "Mysis II"
Captain Larry Simpson, Morris Kelly and "Lazee Daze"
Captain Bert Vandendool and "Wicket C's" (thank you to Chuck Wick for use of Wicket C's)
Paramedic: Jon Cann
Paramedic/Lifeguard (Jack of all trades): Scott Ruddle
Lifeguards: Rocky Lu, Edwin Tang, Phillip Shalin, Danae Heaman
Lifeguards/Pacers: Stephanie McEnery, Alexandra Ferguson, Kevin Ma and Adrian Wong
Ground Crew: Fred and Nancy Burton
Assistant Coach/Nutritionist: Bradley Burton
Swim Masters: Marilyn Korzekwa and Allan Fairweather
Coach/Manager/Husband: William Zehr
Yours truly,
Lesley Burton Zehr
Sunrise July 19, 2014 Photo credit to Scott Ruddle
