Swim
4 MILES • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 AT 8 A.M.
Click here for the official Lake Waccamaw Labor Day Swim Registry
Share your Swim secrets, in Comments, below
People aged nine to seniors have achieved this feat, in a Labor Day tradition going back more than five decades with Lee J. Greer.
Begin at the dam or at the beach near Dales, depending on winds.
Remember, the start of this event is fickle, as we rely on the weather that morning. We prefer to start at the dam, and we usually head there around 7:30 a.m. The committee stares at the water, summoning the meteorological spirits for guidance. At some point, the elders will give a nod and the swimmers will get in the water. Or, they’ll shake their wizened heads and everyone will get in vehicles and head to Dale’s. We should make this go smoother – and we may some day – but we’ve always been a fairly small group and this has worked well for us.
- Check-in and Registration at 7:30 – 8 a.m.
- This is not a relay – every swimmer must travel shore-to-shore unassisted in the water*
- Each swimmer must have an escort boat, either paddle or motor, for this 3-5 hour swim
- Swimmers who finish unassisted will receive the Lee J. Greer Award
- Route is between the dam and the McNeill pier or Dales Seafood
- Wind direction will dictate the direction of swim
- Each swimmer must have an escort boat, either paddle or power (kayaks work very well)
- If you must take shelter, please use the nearest pier, but be respectful of the pier owners and attempt to get their permission
- Follow the large yellow balloons we will install along the route
- You may touch a boat while eating or resting
- You may stand on the lake bottom
- You may not use fins or other propulsion-assist devices
- You must contact us if you drop out
- *Veteran swimmers; don’t give up, try our new Silver Swim Relay
WHAT TO BRING (Basic watercraft safety gear)
- State law requires, on all craft with or without motor, a wearable PFD for everyone (carry one for the swimmer should you need to transport him or her). Children under age 13 must wear a PFD on boat.
- It would be helpful if you had a throwable PFD you could toss your swimmer or others in an emergency.
- We strongly recommend that each craft have an air horn to signal for help – especially for kayak escorts.
- Escort boat drivers: this is a really long four miles, at about one mile per hour. Bring sunscreen & water.
Do not attempt this Personal Endurance Challenge if you cannot swim for one hour easily.
Always consult a health professional before embarking on a new exercise regimen.
Ready to go? Click here for a Swim training schedule.
admin
Sam of Wilmington asked some very good questions about the swim – we’ll answer them here for everyone to see.
1) Are boat shoes needed when wading into the water? – not sure of surface bottom
ANSWER: There may be a few shells and some grass, but I know of no one who has worn shoes.
2) If I am unable to secure a rower to watch me, will there be others to assist?
ANSWER: I wouldn’t count on it. Your escort is very important and will have to spend several hours out there with you. More than just watching out for you, he or she will guide you along a straight path. This is a biggie.
3) Personal effects: If driving from Wilm, is there a safe place to secure car keys, towels, water, food etc? If so, where?
ANSWER: We’ve never had a problem with this, so don’t jinx us by bringing it up! Lock everything in your car and give the key to that person you got for an escort.
4) Logistics: If the swim is from pier to dam, is there a bus shuttle to carry the swimmers back to point of origin? How does transportation work when the swimmer completion times most likely will be staggered?
ANSWER: No bus, but there are usually plenty of people offering rides. I don’t think we’ve ever left anyone stranded.
5) What is the longest time it has taken a swimmer to complete the event? 5 hrs? 6 hrs?
ANSWER: They haven’t really kept records that well, but talk with the old timers at the event, and you’ll hear some stories. Takes me four hours and I’m near the rear of the pack.
6) When swim is completed, how are swimmers recognized? Token? Certificate? Both?
ANSWER: Swim this lake and you will receive an official golden medallion donated by a local jeweler. Also, your name will be added to the official Take the Lake / Labor Day Swim Registry for everyone to see forever and ever, which is far better than having a star named after you, even.
Thanks for the questions, and we hope to see you in September! Mark
I was 41 last year when I swam the lake- I swam breaststroke the whole time and took it easy. Yes it took me almost 4 hours but I did it .
Hi Teresa: I start one pole and back at a time. By time I get to 7 poles I’m ready, it’s about an hour. I don’t know of any training groups but you are welcome to use my poles.
Teresa, well, I don’t know you, but odds are that yes, you can. I am 50 years old, and never did swim anything like this. When I was 20, I swam 1 mile a day for a few months, so at least I knew kind of what it was like. We have people of many shapes and sizes finish the swim – the youngest is usually 10 or 11, and last year we had a 72 year old finish.
It’s a lot more mental than you might think – you just have to get your head out of the game so you’re not constantly wishing you’re done, and don’t give up. People swim far greater distances (The English Channel swim is about 20 miles). Swimming is, odd as it sounds, a bit like walking; you can just keep swimming and swimming…
But you will need to train. I have found that if I can build my strength to where I can swim for an hour or so, then I’m ready. I do the crawl the whole way. You will need an escort, which is important. My brother and his wife kayak for me and stay on my left side – the side I breathe on – and I concentrate solely on the kayak, and they steer me. It’s wonderful.
Please let us know what you decide, and good luck! Mark Gilchrist
I did the walk last year and would love to participate in all 4 events this year. I’m not sure I can do the swim. Any advise? And are there training groups available?