"At this time, there are no plans to re-schedule the Sound Swim," said spokesperson James E. Smith. The Swim Across America of Long Island Sound (SAALIS) had been scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 28 in Larchmont but because of inclement weather, it was cancelled shortly before starting time.
"The decision to cancel was based on actual, unsafe conditions." Smith pointed out. "One had to be there to experience it. Over the past 20 years, swimming and boating conditions have not always been ideal. This cancellation, however, is a first."
"We are confident however that the donations pledged and estimated will be met," Smith added. A goal of one million dollars had been set.
Boats were on hand on July 28 to transport the swimmers to buoy sites; more than 500 swimmers had elected to swim one, four or six miles to return to shore.
Approximately 1,000 spectators had arrived at the Larchmont Yacht Club (the start location for the swimmers) to root on the swimmers.
The beneficiaries are:
- Swim Across America Laboratory and DeMatteo Research Laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Cancer Support Team (Westchester County based organization)
- Morgan Stanley’s Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian at Columbia University Medical Center
- Tommy Palazzo Fellowship at Columbia University
A pool swim with proceeds to go to the same beneficiaries is scheduled for Saturday, August 4 at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, starting at 6 a.m. Swimmers can elect to swim a mile, a half-mile mile or as part of a relay team.
To qualify for participation in this event, a donations is required. Special reduced rates apply for high school students. Details are available at www.swimacrossamerica.org/long_island
Donations can be made by check; checks should be made payable to Swim Across America and mail to P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538
