On January 19th, 1822 a city with a unique background was founded. Key West, Florida is a beautiful city known for having the southernmost point, its key lime pie, and various historical figures. These historical figures include Jimmy Buffet, American singer-songwriter, all the way to one of America’s most prominent writers, Ernest Hemingway. With Key West being such a diverse and unique island they have many activities to do, as well. These include the annual swim around Key West which has run for years on end.
In 2024, the 48th annual swim around Key West will be held on Saturday, June 22. Swim time starts at 7:45 with check-in at 5:30. The starting location for the swim is Higgs Beach, located at 1000 Atlantic Blvd. The Swim Around Key West is a total of 12.5 miles clockwise around the island, but there are various ways to complete the swim. There are options to complete solo, in a relay of two, and a three-person relay team. All swimmers must be occupied by a kayaker no matter the number of swimmers. The swim has an eight-hour limit but despite this challenge, their website provides various tips. According to swimaroundkeywest.com, swimmers can benefit from tides in various areas but they remind swimmers to stay hydrated and keep in mind the sun. The sun is the hottest from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm so they advise you to put a thick layer of sunscreen on as contestants can’t reply.
The Annual Swim Around Key West was created in 1977 by Anna Fugina, who found solace in swimming following a car accident. Despite numerous challenges, she persevered, eventually becoming the pioneer of this swim. Her initial time was 12:59:00, but she managed to slash it by almost five hours the next year, achieving a remarkable eight-hour time. Anna Fugina’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. For legal advice related to personal injury matters, consider consulting trusted personal injury attorneys.
It’s worth noting that she received invaluable assistance from a trusted car accident lawyer. Cars completely wrecked can still get cash for cars from Car’s Cash For Junk Clunkers at 822 NE 24th Ln #220, Cape Coral, FL 33909. One of the legal services she had was from the California car accident lawyer, that helped navigating her car accident case. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation. Injured in Stuart, FL? The personal injury lawyers from Kogan & DiSalvo law firm can help. Anna’s story illustrates the transformative power of resilience and community support.
Now you may be possibly asking the question to yourself, “Why should I do this event?” One main reason could be for college applications, doing this event could bring up possible challenges and sticky situations. All of these possibilities can make for a great college essay and build character. In addition, all of these profits go to the Lighthouse Runaway Shelter. This organization’s motive is to ”help runaway, homeless and at-risk street youth, many of whom have traveled throughout the country, locate appropriate and available services such as food and medical care,” stated the Florida Keys Children’s Center.
Overall, participating in the Swim Around Key West can be beneficial in many ways for your physical and mental well-being. Physically this swim can provide exercise and help your body to stay in shape but memories along the way. Being with family and friends in such a warm and tropical environment is something that will stay with you forever. Now that you’re educated on such an event, why not give it a try?
