Swim For Kids
8 Mile and 4 Mile River Swim
The 2008 Event unfortunately had to be cancelled due to circumstances out of our control.
We are planning to return in 2009
8 Mile: Rumson to Red Bank (Marine Park) & Back to Rumson
New in 2008, 4 mile swim from Red Bank, back to Rumson
High Tide in Red Bank is 2:30 pm, 4 milers will shove off from Marina in Red Bank
Approx start time for 8 mile is 12:00-12:30pm(depending on water conditions & pace)
All will meet at Victory Park, 4 milers can get a ride or be driven to Red Bank. They will start at high tide
Every mile helps a child
For 2008, the event will benefit Jason's Dreams for Kids,
Inc., an organization, which was founded in 1992 in memory of Jason Douglas Creager, who passed away on January 18, 1992 after losing his battle with
cancer. Jason's Dreams for Kids, Inc. is devoted to granting wishes to children
diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
Kayak and swim partners
Entry Packet (subject to minor changes) Pledge Form
Victory Park ( Start/Finish Area) MapWaiver everyone must fill out and return (need Acrobat Reader)
Contact: Jennifer Portman -Swim For Kids, Inc.
email us
Swim For Kids, Inc
Swim For Kids is an organization of masters swimmers dedicated to raising money for Monmouth County
children's charities through sponsored marathon swims. The idea began in 1998 when three swimmers decided to swim 10 miles in theocean, and encouraged friends to sponsor them for a cause-to help send local kids to sports camps. Since then, the events have raised over $60,000 for local children, and the momentum continues to grow.
Support Wanted!
100% of funds raised are turned over to the charities chosen each year
The idea began in 1998 when two swimmers decided to swim 10 miles in the ocean, and encouraged friends to sponsor them for a cause-to help send local kids to sports camps. On a stormy morning in August, a handful of swimmers and a kayak entered the rough water. Raging tides and strong currents forced them to turn back after five grueling hours. One week later, the two tried again. When they emerged at Sandy Hook, much to the bewilderment of the Saturday sunbathers, they congratulated each other, got in their cars and went home.
However, the uniqueness and purposefulness of the event struck a responsive chord in the community. The following year, eight swimmers, five kayakers, two motor support boats and marine police escorts were greeted at the finish by a cheering crowd and news photographers. Since then, the events have raised over $35,000 for local children, and the momentum continues to grow.
It has become an annual challenge; an opportunity for swimmers to stretch their limits, to do something good for area children and to publicize the beauty of our local waters. And the post swim awards ceremony has become a forum for children’s organizations to present their causes to the local media and the swim’s supporters.
Previous Swim For Kids Events
1998- 10 Mile Ocean Swim
$2,500
to Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp Scholarship fund1999- 12 Mile Endurox River Swim
$6,000
to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Children’s Cultural Center at Red Bank2000- 10 Mile H2O Velocity Bay to River Swim
$10,000
to Children’s Cultural Center and Monmouth Day Care Center2001- 10 Mile Endurox/Accelerade Tour of the Navesink
$10,000
to Children’s Cultural Center and Clean Ocean Action2002-Accelerade Tour of the Navesink
$6,000 to Jason’s Dreams for Kids and Campership of Monmouth County
2003-
$6,000 to local kidney transplant patient2004
$6,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County2006- $2000 to SPUR, Special People United to Ride and $2000 to the
Underground, Inc. Monmouth county’s first night club for high school students
Swimming For Dollars-Where Every Mile Helps a Child
Founders and Directors
Tony Landrua, Recreational Therapist-Meridian Health Systems, children’s swimming teacher and coach, Long Branch Ocean lifeguard, masters swimmer
Jennifer Portman, freelance writer and grant consultant, mother of three, community volunteer, masters swimmer and triathlete
Doug Rice, Administrative Analyst-Monmouth County Planning Board, Director-Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club, Publisher-Metro Race Forum, masters swim coach and triathlete