24th annual Long Bridge Swim hits the water

Event funds swim lessons for more than 1,000 students

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — There’s no shortage of reasons to love the Long Bridge Swim, the homespun 1.75 mile swim along the iconic bridge into Sandpoint that will hit the waters of Lake Pend Oreille for the 24th edition on Saturday.

The unique vantage from just above the swimmers for the entire route, the friendly volunteers, the laid back atmosphere, the huckleberry ice cream at the finish, and crystal blue waters are but a handful.

So is safety, which is why last year’s event was canceled, as 25 mile per hour winds made for a difficult decision for race director Jim Zuberbuhler, who ultimately delivered the unfortunate news to the eager throng of swimmers.

“We made the announcement during the safety talk that the conditions were far too extreme to do this,” recalled Zuberbuhler of last year. “When I made the announcement to cancel the race, we had a standing ovation.”

Yet another reason to love the swim. When more than 750 people hit the waters each year, from as young as the 6 year-olds who need special permission to swim, to the 70 and 80 year-olds just, safety is paramount.

Zuberbuhler, now in his sixth year as race director after a five-year stint as assistant director to swim founder Eric Ridgway, will be among the expected 750 plus swimmers hitting the water on Saturday, heading toward Dog Beach and the finish.

He enjoys that there are elite level, competitive swimmers, but it’s the one’s hitting shore just ahead of the 2.5 hour cutoff that he loves most.

“For me it’s the sense of accomplishment for first timers every year. There are usually 200 very competitive swimmers, another 200 out for fun who have done it before, and always about 100 people who aren’t sure if they’re going to make it,” said Zuberbuhler. “I love that, that we attract that. I think that’s just grand watching those people come out at the finish.”

Of course the event couldn’t run without more than 250 volunteers on race day, including registration, food, medical, safety boats and so much more.

When some of the first finishers, usually current or former college and high school swimmers, hit shore, hundreds of others won’t even be close to the halfway point yet, one of the reasons the word race is not in the official title.

Another great aspect of the swim is the burgeoning swim lessons initiative, started nine years ago by Zuberbuhler. Last year more than 1,000 area kids got a free swim lesson, including every third grader in the district. The swim entry fees basically cover the cost to put on the event, so all sponsorship money can be used for swim lessons.

The swim lessons program has also developed a lifeguard training program for the City of Sandpoint. Lessons are also being taught now at Holiday Shores, so the Hope and Clark Fork students don’t have to bus to the SWAC, and to middle school, Charter and Waldorf students as well.

“It’s one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever participated in. I had the idea nine years ago, we created it from scratch, now a lot of people are taking it over,” said Zuberbuhler, who has since passed the baton off to Suzy Miller, Wesley Dustman and Courtney Sanborn, among others. “They’ve done a superb job organizing this. It’s very complicated. Our mission is for no child past the third grade that doesn’t know how to swim. I really appreciate the sponsors. Most of them have been with us for years, and believe in helping with this mission.”

Early packet pick-up and last chance registration will take place today, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Sandpoint High School. Organizers encourage anyone who can to show up on Friday so Saturday can run more smoothly.

For more information, visit www.longbridgeswim.org.