YOUR AD HERE »

Heart of the Mountains Hospice Open Water Swim on Grand Lake is Saturday

Jessica Smith
Sky-Hi News
Grand County, CO Colorado

GRAND LAKE – Supporters of hospice care in Grand County will take the plunge in Grand Lake this weekend to help their cause.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, the Heart of the Mountains Hospice 4th annual Open Water Swim will take place at Grand Lake.

The race begins at Point Park, almost directly across the lake from Town Beach. Swimmers will cover .54 miles through 60 degree water (at the top two inches, that is, with colder temperatures farther down). Participants are encouraged to wear flippers, wet suits, goggles, and even flotation devices, if they wish.



The tone of the race is more fun than serious, said hospice board member Mikee Tennant. In the past, swimmers have worn fake shark fins, and tied rows of rubber duckies behind them.

“It’s really been cute,” Tennant said, adding that this year may include a prize for the goofiest swim cap.



While the race may be taken lightly, the cause it supports is not. Each participant must raise at least $100 in order to swim. The money goes to support Heart of the Mountains Hospice, a nonprofit organization providing care to patients throughout Grand County.

Last year more than 30 swimmers participated in the event, and that number is expected to be larger this year.

“It’s grown every year,” said Tennant. “It’s a success for us. We’d love to see more numbers, and we’re very thankful for the people that do.”

Registration for the race begins at 10 a.m. at Town Beach, after which swimmers will be transported to the starting line at Point Park at 11 a.m. The half-mile race generally takes anywhere from 12 to 45 minutes to complete. Search and Rescue volunteers will patrol the water, with EMS on standby, to ensure everyone’s safety.

Even those not racing can lend their support as volunteers and cheerleaders, said Tennant.

“Come out and cheer ’em on.”


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.