21st Annual Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim..July 4th (home, transfer)

[Messing About]

Was that one of your girls on NBC2 talking about the event?

[DennisDaMenace]

We didn't know about the swim, and we're running the boat from the Harbor up the river, about a mile before we got to the swimmers, a FWC helicopter dropped down on us, and motioned for us to slow down. I was bit confused, but complied. I could tell something was going on up by the bridge, but had no idea it was a pack of swimmers.

I can honestly say, that is the first time that a helicopter has ever pulled me over on land or sea.

As we slowly weaved our way thru the swimmers, I saw a young woman swimming with her baby who couldn't have been more than 6 months old, with the baby sitting in a little pool float.

I couldn't help but think how stupid it was to do that. Or how stupid it was to swim across the harbor at all, let alone during a thunderstorm, on the busiest boating ( and drinking) day of the year.

[wpc691]

And I thought sharks might be the dangerous part.....how dumb was that?

[DennisDaMenace]

I don't really care if people swim across the harbor. But I thought taking a baby in a pool float, wasn't all that bright.

[Messing About]

Thought I'd revive this thread for the 22nd Annual Freedom Swim today.
After years of wanting to do it, this year I feel in-shape and ready to do it so I will.
Anyone else going? We will also watch fireworks from the water for the first time; taking my neighbors Power Cat, complete with a cabin to get out of any possible rain.
You can also watch from any number of locations at and around Fishville. It's usually a great show there.

[Salty Dave]

Originally Posted by Messing About

Thought I'd revive this thread for the 22nd Annual Freedom Swim today.
After years of wanting to do it, this year I feel in-shape and ready to do it so I will.
Anyone else going? We will also watch fireworks from the water for the first time; taking my neighbors Power Cat, complete with a cabin to get out of any possible rain.
You can also watch from any number of locations at and around Fishville. It's usually a great show there.

Do you have a gopro camera? Would like to see the event from a participants perspective.
I may give this a try when we finally make the big move.

[MikMal]

I see where officials have closed the Port Charlotte Beach Complex to swimming due to high bacteria levels. Will they still allow the Freedom Swim to go on??

[JollyOgre]

Bah... to soon for me. I just moved in 2 days ago and have movers and TV guy coming today and I still have things at the U-Haul storage I have to get. Next year for sure.

[Messing About]

Originally Posted by MikMal

I see where officials have closed the Port Charlotte Beach Complex to swimming due to high bacteria levels. Will they still allow the Freedom Swim to go on??

Hmmmm...didn't know this before your post. Thanks.
I went to the county's public health website and it gives the report info.
Here's a link. http://www.myfloridaeh.com/beach_sam...e=&CPIorderBy=

They don't plan on re-testing until Monday, with results posted Tuesday. I guess I'm out. I travel for work too much to take a chance on getting sick. Will still enjoy fireworks from the boat.

[HarborRat]

I'll be there. The girls will be paddling across in a blow-up raft, some friends will be on kayaks and I'll be shuttling them all there with my pontoon boat. Hoping to stay out for the fireworks....if they're not rained out.