Swimmers training, raising funds for ‘Big Swim’ alongside Confederation Bridge

Crystal Garrett gets all the details on the upcoming Big Swim fundraiser in support of Brigadoon Village.

Swimmers are getting ready to dive into the Northumberland Strait for an event which will test their limits and raise money to help children in Atlantic Canada.

The Big Swim will take participants on an approximately 14-kilometre swim alongside the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“(It’s) really challenging, but it’s a lot of fun,” said event director Jennifer McKay, who has done the swim five times before.

Funds raised will support Brigadoon Village, which provides year-round camp programming to children, youth and families living with health conditions or other life challenges.

McKay is encouraging people to participate and said now is a great time to put your name on the list.

“Sign up sooner rather than later and right now we have 50 per cent off for all first timers trying out the Big Swim.”

Carolane Pitre said she trained a long time for the event.

“I’ve been looking at it for over eight years because I always like to take on new challenges,” she said.

The physical test doesn’t intimidate Pitre but she said the event presented another challenge.

“I’m used to doing long distance events. I’m not scared by the Big Swim,” said Pitre. “I was scared to raise the necessary amount of money for the Big Swim.”

Swimmers need to raise $1,500 in order to participate.

“I managed to raise the money in less than five days. I cannot believe it myself,” said Pitre.

During the event, each swimmer will be accompanied by a Paddle Canada Level 1 Certified kayaker or higher. Krystle Parrot, the owner of Old Creel Canoe and Kayak in Fall River, N.S., is supporting Pitre.

“Providing her with nourishment, water and emotional support. It is an individual challenge, but I think any ultra event is definitely a team win,” said Parrot.

Pitre has some advice for anybody signing up for the Big Swim.

“I would do it sooner than later because the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start to fundraise for the event, so that would take off a lot of the stress and also you can start to train earlier to get ready for the big distance.”

The event takes place Sunday, July 27 but swimmers must be on site the day before for mandatory safety meetings. The event is open to a maximum of 40 swimmers.