On the Fourth It's Time to Jump in the Peace River

It's the 4th of July, time for us to jump in the Peace River, or not.  This 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 over 20 years.

Michael Haymans, a local 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 the late 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 his stories about swimming the river in the 40s.  Haymans has even written a song about it, which he sometimes croons on a Guitar Army Thursday at Gilchrist Park.

The swim, always loosely organized, has been described by its founder as a "happening." Each year hundreds brave the waters, some 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.  Organizers do strongly recommend making the crossing with a buddy.  Swimmers should also slab on the sunscreen, and keep drinking water to avoid dehydration.

This year's  "Freedom Swim" is set to start at  2:00 pm at the beach near Gilchrist Bridge in Charlotte Harbor (north end of the southbound U.S. 41 bridge),. It is recommended participants be at the starting point no later than 1:30 p.m. The Green Hibiscus Trolley will provide transportation between Fishermen’s Village and the Swim starting point beginning at 12 Noon.   Personally, I'll be either at Harry's 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."