Local Lifeguards Swim Across Sound

Gray, cloud streaked skies provided the backdrop Saturday for St. Vincent’s 24th annual SWIM Across the Sound.

Redding resident and 2010 Joel Barlow graduate Katie Cieri led the Topstone Lightening ResPonders team in this 25 K race. Her team included fellow lifeguards Bobby Cieri, Michael Pilyugin and Olivia Fracassini. St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, a grassroots organization, hosts this yearly fundraising event. The money raised from the event allows the group to provide low- or no- cost cancer screening, prevention programs and individualized assistance to the underinsured or uninsured.

The swimmers began the race at 9:30 am, plunging gracefully into the cold water despite the rough current. Beginning at West Beach, Port Jefferson, NY, each person swam for 20 minutes until relieved by the next member of the team, all of whom followed along in a small boat headed towards the final destination, Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport.

However, with only 20 minutes left of the race and the end harbor in sight, the team had to pull out of the race due to inclement weather. “We did better than I expected… It was a great overall experience,” Cieri said.

The University of Virginia sophomore and former captain of the Barlow Girl’s Swim Team had always wanted to swim a marathon. When she heard about St. Vincent’s SWIM last year from the local news, she knew this would be a great opportunity. She approached her brother, Bobby, a couple of lifelong friends and fellow lifeguards at Topstone Park, and enlisted their help.

Together, they formed the relay group Topstone Lightning ResPonders. Katie and her friends trained for the race and ardently garnered support for their cause. Their goal was to raise $7,500, and they have managed to reach $5,150. Donations will be taken until September.

To help support the Topstone Lightning ResPonders, you can make donations at Topstone Park or by visiting St. Vincent’s website, http://give.stvincents.org/topstonelightningresponders.