Swim-A-Thon and Community Event
Benefitting Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
June 8th, 2024
What is the event?
The first event will be a traditional swim-a-thon. This is where participants swim continuously to see how many laps they can do. This event is best for more experienced swimmers who have been on a swim team before. The second event is geared towards families, as there will be fun games and relays; however, anyone is welcome. The pool has noodles and bubbles (flotation devices) that will be provided to those who need them. All money fundraised will be donated to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
Interested in reading more? Check out the recent Portland Press Herald Article or listen to Coast 93.1 on 5/30!
A little about me!
I am Audrey Cohen, a current senior at Greely High School. I have been a competitive swimmer for over 10 years and will be continuing swimming next year in college, at Penn State, while studying on the pre med track. I was an athlete rep for Maine swimming, along with the Safe Sport Committee Chair last year, and this year I am on the Safe Sport National Committee. I have also been teaching swim lessons for the past 4 years, and have truly loved sharing my passion for swimming with kids in the community. In addition, I am a volunteer at Maine Med. After recently hosting card making events in the community, where 775+ cards were made and donated to a variety of local children's hospitals, I knew the next event that I planned would benefit our local children's hospital, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital!
What is Barbara Bush Children's Hospital?
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (BBCH) is located at Maine Medical Center in Portland. BBCH is currently Maine's only full-service Children's Hospital, with 116 beds. The hospital was also rated as the fourth safest hospitals in the US and the nurses at BBCH were rated in the top 3% for world-wide nursing excellence. At BBCH patients are treated for a vast majority of things, from routine checkups to the treatment of life-threatening pediatric conditions.
How is the safety of the participants ensured?
The safety of the participants is the top priority for the event. There will be 3+ experienced lifeguards on deck for the entire duration of the event. The pool has an AED and multiple backboards, along with first aid supplies in case of an emergency.
All participants eight & under complete a swim test if they do not want to swim with a parent/guardien. The swim test includes jumping in the deep end, swimming half a length of the pool, treading water for 30 seconds, and then finishing the second half of the length, and then climbing out of the pool. In order to pass, this must be continued and the participant can not touch the bottom of the pool, lane line, or wall. Swimmers eight & under who do not pass the swim test must swim with a floatation device and a parent/guardian over the age of 18. However, noodles and bubbles will also be provided for anyone who wants one–to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe. The head lifeguard (Brady Hale) will oversee the swim tests. At any point, he can make the decision that someone can not participate due to safety concerns (behavioral or swimming). A ratio of 25 swimmers:1 lifeguard is what the state allows. However, due to the nature of the event, the limit will be 15 swimmers: 1 lifeguard, to further prioritize the safety of participants.
All participants must sign the liability waiver, in order to participate on the day of the event. The waiver will be on the signup, sent out to everyone who registers, along with being on the informational website so it is accessible to all participants.
How can I fundraise?
With the event goal of raising $50,000, there will be two main sources of donations. First, local businesses will be contacted to see if they would like to support the cause. The second source of donations will come from individuals. In the form of flat out donations, and or for the swim-a-thon there is the option for pledges. There is a document available for participants looking to gain pledges for their swim-a-thon. Participants can gain pledges (such as $1 a lap), where the further they swim the more money that they raise. Pledges can come from anyone in the community.