Swimmers will dive into Lake Pend Oreille on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m., adding their names to 30 years of history as this year’s annual Long Bridge Swim kicks off once more. The iconic event has been a staple in Sandpoint since 1995, attracting hundreds of participants of all ages, skill levels and nationalities.
“It has been our great joy to encourage people to participate in the lifetime sport of swimming,” said Karen McClelland, a lead organizer for LBS. “Our oldest swimmer was Chuck Milton, who swam the 1.76 miles at age 92 in 2021. We have had multiple swimmers with disabilities set a goal of successfully completing the swim, and they have. Such a joyful celebration of human resilience.”
Courtesy photo
Since its inception, LBS organizers have sought to make the event a welcoming and inspiring experience. The nonprofit organization ensures competitors receive the accommodations they need so that international athletes, kids with floaties and swimmers with visual, auditory or physical disabilities can all push themselves and succeed.
More than 900 registered swimmers are set to participate this year. Add that to the 250 volunteers who ensure a safe and smooth swim and the thousands of spectators cheering from the bridge, and it makes for one massive crowd.
“Our goal is for our community to safely be able to enjoy the lake and for people to recognize they can do hard things,” said McClelland. “We hope they take the success they feel from conquering the Long Bridge Swim and they apply it to other areas of their lives. We strive for a supportive, healthy and happy community.”
As part of its commitment to the community, LBS also uses donations and registration fees to fund water safety classes and swim lessons for all ages. In the past 15 years, the organization has taught more than 9,000 Idahoans how to swim.
“As the founder of this event, I am so grateful to all of the organizers, volunteers and local business sponsors who make this event possible and such a splashingly fun part of our Sandpoint summer,” said Eric Ridgway.
For the race schedule or to register for the Long Bridge Swim, visit longbridgeswim.org. Registration is $65 if completed on Thursday, July 31, after which the price will increase. There is no day-of registration.
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