Melanie Price is swimming across Lake Ontario! In the process she is raising funds for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. The Toronto Star published a profile on Price on July 16, 2011:
“During the crossing, you are in the water the whole time,” Price explains. “You never get out of the water and you’re not allowed to touch the boat or anything like that.”
Price’s first experience in the middle of Lake Ontario happened last year: “I didn’t really know what it would be like when you can’t see any land. But I actually really enjoyed it.”
What she didn’t enjoy, and what worries her now, is the cold. During a recent swim near Oakville, the water temperature was below 50. Despite gaining 20 pounds for this adventure, Price doubts her body could withstand 15 hours in such frigid conditions.
Her expenses — everything from boat rentals to gear to the extra pool time she’s needed while training with the Burlington Masters — could top $10,000. On the big day, she will have a crew of 20 floating nearby as she propels and thrashes — using the front crawl, breaststroke and sculling motion — in both sunshine and darkness.
“My greatest fear with this is letting people down,” Price says. “I’m not going to necessarily make it across. But even if I don’t make it, I will be proud of myself for continuing to work for this.”
Accipiter Radar will track the crossing with a live link on Price’s website ( http://melaniepriceadventures.blogspot.com). Beyond the personal challenge, she is also raising money for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and, by extension, raising awareness for a body of water she has come to love.
“I want more people to care about it and be aware of it and enjoy it the way I do.”
