Five years ago, to commemorate my 50th birthday, I did my first open water swim. The goal: do something that I was afraid of and, more importantly, make it to the finish line. I accomplished both and was hooked. Shortly after, I set a personal goal to complete one major swim in each of the Great Lakes. In 2022, I completed the Mackinac Island Swim (8.2 miles) through Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. In 2023, I checked off the Pointe to La Pointe Swim in Lake Superior in Bayfield Wisconsin. In 2024, a planned swim in Lake Erie in Cleveland was cancelled due to unsafe swimming conditions. So, I returned to Lake Michigan for the Harbor Springs Coastal Crawl in Little Traverse Bay.
It's there I met Eric Hansen, the passionate leader of the formidable Mackinac Bridge Swim who offered me the opportunity to join a select group of swimmers to swim the bridge in 2025. The Mackinac bridge is a 5 mile expanse, connecting Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. While the distance didn't deter me - the idea of BIG open water, converging currents, unpredictable winds and water temps, and depth of the Straits of Mackinac, an international shipping channel - gave me pause. I told Eric, I didn't think I could do it. Eric's encouragement: "If you swam the island you can do the bridge!" I went home with that tickle in my belly. I couldn't sleep that night. The next day, I emailed Eric. I'm in.
Why I Swim:
As a former swim instructor, I know the importance of water safety, regardless of swim ability. This past summer was one of the deadliest on the Great Lakes with Lake Michigan alone claiming the lives of 40 people. My Bridge Swim will be raising money for the First Responders in Michigan, a group of firefighters and EMTs in northern Michigan where funding continues to be decreased and need continues to grow. As a volunteer first responder himself, Eric is passionate about giving back and his team has dedicated themselves to provide a safe opportunity for people like me to experience the magic of this incredible experience. The Bridge Swim is more than accomplishing a personal goal. It's about giving back to the community, service beyond self, and lifting up those who show up for others in times of need.
If you have had a family member or your own life saved by a first responder, I ask you to support my swim. For those of you who haven't, but would want someone to show up and provide you support (in or out of the water!) in your time of need, I ask you to support my swim. Your support will not only help provide me the mental energy to power through when it gets tough, but extends beyond to support a community of selfless, determined and dedicated public servants.
Thank you!
Heather
