Despite a timing technology snafu, the historic race carried on under optimum weather and water conditions, raising money for youth swim lessons.
At 109, the La Jolla Cove Swim has never looked better. The annual race, now hosted by The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, saw a record number of participants taking to the water Sept 7, in turn raising what longtime race director Aaron Brennan hopes will be a “big jump” in donations for The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.
Nearly 1,000 people signed up to partake in the race, a “mind boggling” number, Brennan said.
Video by Provisions Media
Swimmers chose from the three-mile Leopard Swim for adults; the 250-meter Garibaldi Groms swim for children 8-12; the most popular, one-mile Sea Lion Swim for ages 13 and up; or the Whole Enchilada swim, the one- and three-mile races together.
“I could not have dialed up a better scenario” for weather and water conditions, Brennan said, adding swimmers echoed his thoughts when offering feedback.
The day was “perfect” with optimum water temperature and no waves or dangerous conditions, he said, noting the lifeguards were instrumental at ensuring safety.
And 60 volunteers, most of whom are Kiwanis members, all had smiles on their faces, Brennan said.
“It really doesn’t happen without [Kiwanis],” he said.
The only cloud on Brennan’s day was one of his “worst case” scenarios coming true: a “catastrophic technical issue” with the vendor timing the race means official times – and medal winners – are unknown.
“It’s soul-crushing,” Brennan said, of having to tell an 8-year-old first-time race participant there are no official times or placements.
Everyone so far, however, has been understanding, he said. “I’m trying to be positive.”
Aside from the timing issue, Brennan is pleased that more entrants mean more donations to the Prevent Drowning Foundation.
Final numbers are not in yet, but Brennan expects that with more people than ever, donations will top last year’s $30,000 by about 25 or 30%.
Drowning is preventable, said Brennan, a former seasonal lifeguard. “All it needs is six 1-hour swimming lessons to make someone safe in the ocean.”
Recalling the devastation of trying to save someone in the ocean who doesn’t have swimming skills, Brennan offered this advice:
“Parents, if your kids are in the water, watch them. Avoid the tragedy.”
For those who participated in this year’s La Jolla Cove Swim to help fund Prevent Drowning’s youth swim lessons, however, Brennan had a brighter message:
“They are winners. They showed up and they swam.”
Looking for more La Jolla events? Head to our Events page for the best goings-on.
