HANNAWA FALLS -- Dozens of swimmers will take to the water Saturday, Aug. 6 for the seventh Swim a Mile for Hospice

Swimmers will depart from Postwood Park beach at 8 a.m., navigating the half mile or full mile course around Hannawa Pond and returning to the beach.

Last year this non-competitive event brought together 72 recreational swimmers from age 12 into their seventies. Participants will be grouped by ability and will complete the course at their own pace.

“Last year, with the addition of the half mile course, and lowering the age of participation, the level of interest in the event really exploded” said organizer Kellie Hitchman. “We saw approximately 30 new swimmers who took advantage of both courses. This year, we’re hoping to have a great combination of the returning swimmers from previous years joined by more new comers to the event,” she said.

“I can’t stress what an incredible experience Swim a Mile for Hospice is for those who participate, whether it is as a swimmer, a member of the safety team in a kayak or boat, as a waterside volunteer or as a spectator. The atmosphere on the beach all morning is indescribable,” Hitchman said.

The option of testing the event out with the half mile course will once again be offered. The minimum age to swim either course will stay at 12 years old. “The great thing about Swim a Mile is that its really for anyone,” Hitchman said. “We do have triathletes who participate, but we also have a number of non- athletes who do it for a personal challenge or to remember a loved one. Now is a great time to grab a friend and start training. Swimming a couple of times a week will have participants ready to go on Aug. 6.”

For safety, there will be a fleet of kayaks, power boats, lifeguards and official safety personnel on hand to make sure everyone gets back to the beach.

Each swimmer is asked to raise at least $100 for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley (youth swimmers age 12-17 are asked to raise $50). This includes the $25 registration fee. Swimmers, boaters and other volunteers will enjoy a light breakfast and will receive a tee shirt and other tokens for their participation. Prizes will also be awarded to the top three fundraisers.

“When swimmers register online, the website creates a personal fundraising page for them. They can post it on social media or email it to friends and family to make their fundraising efforts easy” said Hitchman.

In addition, the school whose students, as a group, raise the most money will have a special trophy to display at their school until the next year’s event. Last year, Potsdam Central School defended their title as the top fundraising school.

To register for Swim a Mile for Hospice, go to www.swimamileforhospice.org or call the Hospice office in Potsdam at (315) 265-3105.