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February 7, 2008
The Seal Swim is coming to Hatteras Island
Who says there's nothing to do during the dead of winter on Hatteras Island?
Locomotion, the Cape Hatteras Teen Association, will be hosting its
first Seal Swim on Saturday, March 1, starting at 10 a.m. on the
oceanfront behind the Outer Banks Motel on Highway 12 in Buxton.
“This fundraising event is for everyone in the community,” says Locomotion’s director, Kathy Kiddy.
Kiddy says she hopes that both young people and adults will sign up to take the frigid dip in the ocean.
Young people must be in at least the sixth grade. And all adults
are welcome, whatever their age. Seal swimmers can go solo or
enter as a seal pack. However, all seals are required to have a
“cheering squad” on the beach – even if it’s
only one cheerleader – as an extra safety precaution.
“You can’t just show up by yourself and jump in the water,” says Kiddy.
All participants must fill out entry forms and sign releases before
March 1. The information packets with forms and more information
are available at Changing Tide consignment shop in Buxton. The
winter hours are Tuesday from 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. until
3 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.
The entry fee is $10 per person and extra donations to support seals or
seal teams are appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Changing
Tide or mailed to Locomotion, P.O. Box 1152, Buxton, NC 27920
with a notation that it is for the Seal Swim. Businesses or individuals
can be sponsors of the event with their donation if they like.
“The sky's the limit on the fun we will have on the beach,”
says Kiddy. “Can't you just see it now -- people and teams
of all sorts on the beach ready to take the plunge into the icy
Atlantic Ocean for such a good cause?”
Kiddy says the Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Hatteras Island
Rescue Squad, and members of the county sheriff's office plan to be on
scene to ensure everyone's safety.
“Those who do not wish to get wet can join the Polar Bear
Cheering Squad,” says Kiddy. “Everyone needs a team
of supporters on the beach cheering them on, not to mention taking lots
of pictures. And, yes, you may dress the part or wear your street
clothes if you insist. Can't you just see the fun to be
had?”
Along with the Seal Swim, there will be a sand sculpture contest,
beginning at 8 a.m. Spectators will judge the sculptures by
giving pennies for their votes.
After the Seal Swim, there will be a Penguin Party at the Diamond Shoals Restaurant in Buxton, beginning at 11 a.m.
For more information or to sign up, stop by Changing Tide Shop or call 995-6010.
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