Sports editor

SANDPOINT — Attention swim fans: It’s back, and more popular than ever.

More than 700 people are expected to hit the water — far surpassing the previous high — as the 14th Annual Long Bridge Swim gets underway Saturday in Sandpoint.

The 1.76 mile swim across Lake Pend Oreille, billed as “The Northwest’s Premier Open Water Swimming Event,” continues to attract swimming enthusiasts from all over the U.S., with 650 participants pre-registered as of Friday afternoon, shattering the previous record for attendance by more than 100 people.

More than half come from out-of-state, including swimmers from as far away as Canada, Alaska, Utah, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee, Maryland and Massachusetts, all attracted by the allure of clean water, great energy and a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

“We have really friendly volunteers from the local community that make everyone feel welcome, regardless of ability or age,” says race director Eric Ridgway. “It’s one of the largest (open water swims) in the nation. In terms of spectator viewing, we’re unparalleled, the best I’ve ever heard of in the world.”

Each year, hundreds of people line the Long Bridge, looking straight down at the hordes of swimmer shredding the water, following the swimmers from start to finish. As always, they’ll see competitive swimmers, mixed in among the usual assortment of fins, snorkels, floatation devices and costumes.

Swimmers will range in age from six to 87 this year, with the venerable Imre Schmidt, of Bonners Ferry, once again providing inspiration to the entire field, while representing for his fellow octogenarians.

“I’ll bet anyone a million bucks,” jokes Ridgway of the 87 year-old Schmidt. “If it’s not windy and choppy, he’ll finish.”

Stories like Schmidt’s are what help define the essence of the Long Bridge Swim. While there are former, current and future college swimmers blazing the course, there are also families, kids, and elderly swimmers — including a dozen age 70 and older — who are just out for a fun time.

“A variety of people take on the challenge for a sense of fun and accomplishment,” explains Ridgway of what he loves most about the event he created. “People who would not consider themselves competitive athletes.”

There are 21 swimmers under the age of 12 pre-registered for the race, including the aptly named Seal Gosnell, 6. Karee Sweedman, from Libby, Mont., wrote the following on her registration form, just another of the many vignettes that make the race what it is.

See SWIM, Page 3

“Training in Libby is very hard because we have no pool,” she wrote. “I swim in local creeks against the current. This is not only challenging, but a lot of fun. This year the creeks have been high and strong, so I haven’t been able to train since July 3.”

Ridgway says there are a few favorites to win the race, including teenage brothers Eric and Chris Mann of Sandpoint, both of whom finished in the top five last year. Ridgway, along with Wendy Auld, Mike Boseth, Bill Olier, Uriel Fox and Lynn Olafson, comprise the six swimmers who’ve participated in every race. He says more than half the field has swum the event previously, adding that they love it so much they keep coming back.

The water temperature will be a comfortable 68-70 degrees, making a wet suit optional.

Anyone still wishing to sign up can register Saturday morning, from 6:30-7 a.m., at the Powerhouse parking lot.

Visit “www.longbridgeswim.com” for more information, including a new section on frequently asked questions.