Let's all Jump in the Peace River -- Hey it's Punta Gorda and it's the Fourth of July

Hey, it's the 4th of July, let's all jump in the Peace River, or not. Well, that is what many Charlotte County folks and others, who come from close and afar to join them, do on the Fourth of July and have been doing for almost 20 years.

Michael Haymans, a Punta Gorda attorney, and friends started this Annual quirky event, the "Freedom Swim", in 1991 and participants have been bobbing, floating, paddling, and doing what it takes to stay a float on the 4th in the Peace River ever since. Haymans, Frank Desquin and Sandy MacGibbon are credited with the notion of swimming the river based on the rite of passage for local youth. Desquin's father, Victor, is said to have sparked the idea by descriptions of swimming the river in the 40s. Now in it's 19th year, Haymans has even written a song about it, which he recently crooned on a Guitar Army Thursday at Gilchrist Park. (Lyrics can be found at www.tarponalumni.com/PoetryMusic/FreedomSwim.htm.)


The swim, always loosely organized, has been described by its founder as a "happening." Last year, it was estimated that almost 500 braved the waters, about 200 swimming, some floating, some paddling, many clinking to noodles or rafts carrying signs. Not intended as a contest of who makes their way across the river from Charlotte Harbor to Fishermen's Village (approximately 1.5 miles ) first, but more a leisurely fun swim or float to celebrate the day. Participants don red, white and blue suits, or not, wear patriotic hats

While the annual jump into the river can be a fun event, many have voiced concerns about safety. Even though boats from local public safety agencies and privately owned chase boats cross the river with the medley of aquatic adventurers carrying water and ready to drag fatigued swimmers from the waterway, it's still swim or float at your own risk. Reports from local police agencies indicate that over 100 swimmers had to be pulled from the river last year. Organizers do strongly recommend making the crossing with a buddy, as well as a chase boat noting also that safety is the responsibility of each swimmer. Swimmers should also slab on the sunscreen, and keep drinking water to avoid dehydration.

This year's 19th "Freedom Swim" is set to start at 11 a.m at the beach near Gilchrist Bridge in Charlotte Harbor (north end of the southbound U.S. 41 bridge, call 941-661-5622 for more information). I'm afraid I chose not to dive in, I'll be either at Harry's or somewhere near shore cheering more valiant souls on.

But to quote a verse from Mr. Hayman's song:

"If you’re ready for some freedom
Come the Fourth of July
Charlotte Harbor to Punta Gorda
We’re swimming on the tide."