Sharks raising money for LBS swim lessons

SANDPOINT — Members of the Sandpoint Sharks swim team are at ease in the water, able to execute advanced techniques like the butterfly, backstroke and breaststrokes.

But not everyone is as comfortable off of dry land, and many folks in Bonner County can’t even swim. So two years ago Jim Zuberbuhler and the Long Bridge Swim decided to start raising money for a swim lessons initiative, with great success to date.

Since 2011, the Long Bridge Swim has funded swim lessons and drown proofing classes for more than 350 children, working in conjunction with LPOSD teachers and students, sa well as Sandpoint West Athletic Club instructors.

Last year a handful of Shark swimmers decided to help the cause, and went about raising more than $1,000 for the program. Zuberbuhler, who spearheads the program, was impressed with the kids’ effort.

“Collectively, they raised as much as some of our lead sponsors, which was really cool since they are kids,” said Zuberbuhler, who hopes to provide scholarships for more youth to take swim lessons this summer.

Sharks swimmer Payton Bokowy, 12, will be competing in her third Long Bridge Swim on Aug. 4, while 9 year-old sister Kate will be trying her first. As many as 12 Sharks will swim the 1.76 mile open water swim, most of whom have been raising funds.

“I think it’s important for all kids to know how to swim, especially since we live here (Sandpoint),” said Payton. “And it’s fun.”

The team will be fundraising at Kokanee Coffee (509 N. 5th Ave.) on Saturday, July 21, from 8-11 a.m.

To donate, contact SWAC at 263-6633.

For more on the swim lessons, or to make a donation, go online to www.longbridgeswim.org