CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater Fireplace and Rescue was on scene on the Ocean Mile Swim Sunday morning to not solely host the occasion, but additionally swim, supervise, and cheer everybody alongside!
All proceeds from the swim went towards the Disaster Middle of Tampa Bay.
The winner, one among their very own, got here in at a swift 24:51.
“So, I wished to assist and present Clearwater lifeguards in the absolute best mild,” mentioned lifeguard Tim Hancock.
For former Clearwater lifeguard Peter Gilkey, these waters are acquainted territory, and this occasion stirred up plenty of nostalgia.
“We have a gaggle of about 6 guards which have been associates for the reason that 70s to this present day, and all of us grouped collectively for this, and it is simply been type of a rallying level, and we’re actually excited,” mentioned Gilkey.
That pleasure carried over all morning as one after the other the swimmers splashed out and in.
Disaster Middle of Tampa Bay President Clara Reynolds even braved the waves herself. In whole, the occasion raised over $4,500 for a trigger near the hearts of most of the lifeguards.
“Each dime will go towards the mission of the Disaster Middle to make sure that nobody has to face a disaster alone,” mentioned Reynolds.
Officers inform us they hope to proceed this occasion yearly.
