Salem Sound Swim and Fin, August 18th

[rylevine]

SALEM SOUND SWIM AND FIN RACE: http://www.swimandfin.org/

Safety kayakers are needed to monitor swimming races in Salem Harbor. NSPN has a tradition of providing volunteers for this event. We will also have a table at Forest River Park in Salem to introduce NSPN and provide brochures on kayaking safety. Volunteers needed to greet people at the NSPN table as well.

Safety kayakers activities include:

1. patrol a zone

2. identify tired, distressed or disabled swimmers

3. signal a rescue boat

4. offer the swimmer support

5. carry AND use a hand-held radio (we may have a _limited_ number of radios available but kayakers with their own radios are best)

If sufficient interest, we may follow-up the event with an afternoon paddle in Salem Sound. Details on meeting place and time to follow, but the races start at 11:30. RSVP here or PM me if interested. Proceeds to benefit Salem Sound Coast Watch.

Bob

[cfolster]

Bob,

I'd be happy to help represent NSPN at the table, or be on the water, whichever is needed.

Cathy

[rfolster]

We have a radio, so I can help on the water.

[Jeff Charette]

Bob,

I have a radio and can help out on the water.

Jeff

[Joyce Carpenter]

No radio, but I'd be happy to help out -- especially if I also get to swim / paddle post event.

--Joyce

[rylevine]

Robert, Cathy, and I were at the preliminary meeting for the Swim and Fin this morning. Looks good, but could use more safety kayakers and a person not on the water to greet people at the NSPN tent. Below is more information. Planning a post-event paddle in Salem Sound, probably L2+ or so (depending on conditions and people's interests). Post-event paddle open to all, whether or not you were able to be a safety kayaker. Details on paddle in separate posting. Thanks!

Fellow Kayakers,

We still need 5-10 kayakers so please have your fellow paddlers contact me.

Thank you for volunteering to help out at the 2012 Swim & Fin Race for Salem Sound at Forest River Park in Salem on Saturday August 18th, two weeks from yesterday. Salem Sound Coastwatch is a regional watershed organization whose mission it to protect and improve the environmental quality of Salem Sound and its watershed.

We have the honor to host the New England Open Water Swim Championships for USA Swimming and US Masters Swimming for the second consecutive year.

ORGANIZATION:

Kayakers will spread out evenly between the leading and trailing swimmers of each race. Kayak Team #1 will follow the 500 m swimmers. This race lasts about 20 min The 5 Km race starts next and they will be followed by Kayak Team #2. The last start will be the 1 Mile swim race monitored by Kayak Team #1. Each paddler will be given a whistle and a flag to alert rescue boats if there are any problems. Kayakers will NOT be rescuing or even approaching swimmers so no special training is necessary.

RACE DAY:

We will meet at Palmer Cove Yacht Club (www.pcyc-salem.com) 47 Leavitt St. Salem MA at 10:00 AM. You can pull up to within 20 feet of the boat ramp. Parking and a bathroom are close at hand.

We all will be on the water by 10:30 and in position on the race course by 11:00. The first of 3 races starts at 11:30. Most of the swimmers are off the course by 1:00 pm so there is still time for a tour of Salem Harbor for those who are interested. Lunch can be had back at the yacht club.

Cap Colors will be as follows:

Race USA Swim Masters (adults)

500 m Red Red

1 mile Yellow White

5 km Blue Green

Let's make this another great and safe race.

[dwman53]

I'm planning to attend both the event and post race paddle

Doug W

(the other doug)