Long Bridge Swim in need of more volunteers
Scores of kayaks gather before the start of a past Long Bridge Swim. They are part of a cadre of volunteers that make the event so successful.
(File photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER)
Sandpoint’s Long Bridge Swim is coming up on Aug. 5 and the organization is still looking for volunteers to help at the event.
Race director Jim Zuberbuhler said there’s always something to do and he’s almost always looking for more volunteers, sometimes even up until the day of the swim. Every year, approximately 250 volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly. Individuals can assist with tasks such as registration, safety watch, set up and tear down, handing out food or collecting items from swimmers as they get ready to go into the water.
“We’ve got all kinds of jobs for volunteers and the work is fun,” Zuberbuhler said.
Many of the volunteers have been working to run the event for a few decades and the race director said the drama-free and hard-working environment helps ensure that everyone has a good time. Some volunteers are even able to swim in the event as well as help out.
“Many of them have been with the swim for 10, 15 or 20 years,” he said. “It’s such an able group. A lot of the volunteers – we also swim in the event, so we get to see both sides. We’re behind the scenes, but then we’re also experiencing it.”
Those interested in the logistics side of the swim can contact Zuberbuhler at 208-263-2010 or at zuberbuhler@dadco.com. Individuals interested in being a safety kayaker for the event can contact Donnavan Leavitt at lbskayaker@gmail.com.