Sandpoint Sharks invite local youths to participate in Shark Attack Open Swim

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Sharks Swim Club is set to host the Shark Attack Open Water Swim, a competition for youth swimmers that predates the Long Bridge Swim, on Friday, Aug. 1, at Sandpoint City Beach.

The inaugural event is open to swimmers from 5 to 17 years of age. The course, which starts at the Statue of Liberty and heads west along the floating pilings toward the Best Western Edgewater Resort, is a quarter mile in length.

“The best thing about this event is kids can stand if they get tired,” Sandpoint Sharks head coach Emily Renzini said. “It’s a fun, competitive event, but at the same time it’s not too intense for the littles.”

The event has been held for the past several years as a Sandpoint Sharks team competition, however, this is the first time the team is opening it to the public.

“We are turning this in to one of our fundraisers,” Renzini said. “Hopefully it will continue to grow, and we can share the joy of open water swimming with even more kids in the community. The more the merrier.”

The entry fee for the event is $30 and includes a commemorative swim cap. Funds raised from the event will go directly to the Sharks swim team to help cover expenses such as pool time, coaching fees and travel costs.

“All of our meets are at least an hour away, with most being over two hours away,” Renzini said. “Whatever we can do to help offset those costs, our athletes are willing to try.”

Advanced Sharks swimmers will be in the water to assist anyone needing help. There will also be safety kayaks and lifeguards on duty. After the swim, athletes will be treated to refreshments in the park.

To sign up for the race, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ID/Sandpoint/SharkAttackOpenWaterSwim or follow Shark Attack Open Water Swim on Facebook for more information.