Long Beach Yacht Club and the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation were responsible for the Swim Across America waterfront operations. Volunteers provided all the on-the-water course control and media support.
The boat operators include Lenny Arkinstall, owner of Kingfisher and member of the Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation Board of Directors. He is also the Executive Director of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewards. He joins Michael McClain, owner of DB who is a champion white sea bass fishing captain and Rob Webb on Long Beach Yacht Club’s Judy J.
But the men were assisted – quietly and professionally by Kevin Clancey.
Clancey has cancer and devoted himself to the Swim Across America cause. The night before the event, Clancy spent the night setting the 17 buoys on the course and putting the feeding pontoon and finish pontoons into place. From 10 pm to 4 am, Clancey wasn’t going to leave until the buoys and course was precisely lined up to be 10km. Then back up at the venue by 6 am, Clancey worked all morning and afternoon long assisting on the course and at the event. He continued working until the event was over and then he started to dismantle the course.
Nearly 24 hours, Clancey gave of himself for others; never complaining and always offering a hand.
His dedication was heroic, especially considering that he is undergoing chemotherapy for his own cancer treatment.
A man with cancer giving fully of himself throughout the night and day to help others. That is the very definition of selflessness.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source