In brief: Dust off your Speedo and Swim for Life

In 1988, Jay Critchley and Walter McLean challenged themselves to swim across the Provincetown Harbor, an event that led to the first Swim for Life. Now in its 21st year, the Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla is an annual event that has raised almost $3 million for AIDS and Women's Health organizations within the Cape community.

Last year, the 1.4-mile swim across the Provincetown Harbor raised almost $170,000 from more than 300 swimmers.

This year's swim will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, although various events will run throughout the weekend. The Celebration of Life is a free concert the night of Sept. 5 that features local and visiting performers, and all are welcome. The Schooner Regatta will be later on Saturday evening.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event, kayakers, paddlers and swimmers can register for the swim and paddle, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at Long Point. The Mermaid Brunch, awards ceremony and other entertainment will follow the swim.

Participants are required to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges, but most raise more. The swim itself is fairly relaxed and is by no means a race. Swimmers can use swim aids such as flippers and water wings to help them across. More than anything, the swim is an emotional experience.

"It's been quite a journey, a very inspiring journey. It's really about people's personal stories," said Critchley. "Everyone has a personal reason why they're swimming, whether it's somebody who has died or somebody who's sick or they're just testing their own strength in the water ... it's a very emotional and personal experience for people."

All who participate receive a ribbon, and swimmers who raise $150 or more receive a free t-shirt. There are other prizes for those who raise $500 or more, and ceremonies after the swim honor those in the $1,000 Club and the Circle of Honor, which acknowledges swimmers who have swum for ten years or raised $10,000.

This year's race benefits the AIDS support group of Cape Cod, Helping Our Women, Outer Cape Health Services, Provincetown Rescue Squad and Lower Cape Ambulance. Artist Bob Bailey of artSTRAND has designed the 2008 poster and t-shirt.

For registration forms for swimmers, paddlers, security boaters, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, contact: Swim for Life, P.O. Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657, 508-487-1930, e-mail [email protected] or visit the website, www.swim4life.org.