Clearwater, Fla. (WFLA) – Clearwater firefighters are on site on Sunday mornings at Ocean Mile Swim, where they not only host events, but also swim, coach and cheer!
All proceeds from the swimming went towards the Crisis Center in Tampa Bay.
The winner came at a quick 24:51, one of their own.
“So I wanted to support and show clearwater lifeguards with the best possible light,” Lifeguard Tim Hancock said.
For former Clearwater lifeguard Peter Gilky, these waters are familiar territory, and the event sparked a lot of nostalgia.
“We have a group of about six security guards who have been friends since the 70s since the 1970s, and we all grouped together for this.
The excitement took over throughout the morning, just like swimmers came and went.
Tampa Bay Crisis Center President Clara Reynolds even encouraged the waves. In total, the event raised over $4,500 for causes close to the minds of many lifeguards.
“Every dime goes towards the mission of the crisis center to ensure that everyone has to face a crisis,” Reynolds said.
Officials say they want to continue the event every year.