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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
BASRA boat on the water and a US Coast Guard helicopter in the air at the 42nd annual BASRA Bernie Butler Swim Race Photo: Tabin Jose
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Freeport, Bahamas - The highlight of many on Grand Bahama Island is the annual Bernie Butler Swim Race each August at Coral Beach. It's a time to support a vital service, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), enjoy family and friend time on the beach, and show off your swimming strength by participating in the Bernie Butler Swim Race.
This year's fastest overall male was 15 year old Joshua Rigby of Freeport, and top female was 35 year old Sabrina Campbell also of Freeport.
The event was named after Mr. Bernie Butler for the countless contributions he made to BASRA and with these contributions, BASRA would not be where it is today. Both of his sons continue to carry on in his great tradition and assist BASRA whenever called upon. His son Robby has swam in all 42 Swim Races.
The 2012 swim was reported as one of the toughest, if not the hardest swim, in BASRA history. it has participation from all swim levels and ages.
This year's first place finisher was 15 minutes slower than
last year.
Seas were out of the south west which was in the swimmers face the entire time, and 6 swimmers had to be pulled out of the water.
Adding fun, more funding, and reprieve from the sweltering summer sun is the annual tent competition. The theme this year was "Endless Summer' and it
was won by Freeport Aggregates, whose tent was in memory of Larry Idol. The competition was judged by the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew who also put on rescue demonstrations above the water.
BASRA supporters cool off in the water while watching the US Coast Guard rescue demonstrations Photo: Bonnie Culmer
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"We wish to thank all our sponsors, the volunteers and
everyone that came out to support the 42nd Bernie Butler BASRA swim race," said BASRA officials.
This year's sponsors: Waugh Construction, Woody's, Freecon, G.B Shipyard, Reef Tours, Underwater Explorers Society, WKD, Sands, Bristol Wines & Spirits, Katy Equipment, Sweet Affairs, Dolly Madison, and the Peter Higgs Party.
The
Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (Grand Bahama) is
a dedicated non-profit voluntary organization committed to saving the
lives of distressed seamen or airmen in the Bahamas. They are supported
only by private donations and therefore require your support through
their fundraising projects. Aside from the costs of their daily
operations and rescue efforts, they are seeking to purchase modern
lifesaving equipment like defibrillators. In addition, they are looking
to the future where they can have a permanent waterfront base of
operations with their own building, on Grand Bahama.
The Swim Marathon is two miles long and encourages fitness
enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to come out and swim from Our
Lucaya to Coral Beach. The kids get involved with a one mile and mile
swim. This is always an exciting event, with the fastest swimmers
taking thirty minutes to finish, to the last hardy competitors
completing in about two hours. Right after this epic event is the
famous beach party on Coral Beach. The general public is invited to
attend and take part in the biggest beach party of the season. There is food, games, beverages, and it’s fun to meet up with people you
haven’t seen in a while. Of course, since it’s a beach party, it’s also
the place for the girls to show off their figures in the latest styles
of bikinis.
Endless Summer: One of the Tents competing in the annual competition
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Many come by boat for the annual favourite. Photo: Bonnie Culmer
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US Coast Guard rescue demo Photo: Tabin Jose
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Supporters of BASRA turn out all afternoon to enjoy fun, family and friendship all for a great cause. Photo: Bonnie Culmer
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Attached below are the results for BASRA SWIM RACE 2012:
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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