Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.
The first international Swim from the Heart event will be held in Haifa, Israel on June 3rd.
Swim from the Heart Haifa aims raise awareness and critical research funds to predict and prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in children and adults, a major cause of natural death worldwide. Inspired by open-water swimmers in Northern California and Israel, participants swim in one of four heats in the Haifa Bay in order to support of SCD research at Rambam.
The heats include distances of 1 km, 2.6 km, 4.5 km and 7.6 km. Donations are processed through the American Friends of Rambam.
Interventional cardiologist Rafi Beyar explains, “Swimmers will begin swimming along the curves of Haifa Bay, known locally as Cape Carmel, with a magnificent view of the Carmel mountain range sweeping down to meet the shore. Joined by the thriving underwater life, giant sea turtles, and an occasional playful dolphin, swimmers will affirm life with each stroke as they Swim From the Heart.
Participants will gather shortly after dawn at the Café Midrachof on the Haifa Bay Promenade, near booth 3 on the Zamir Beach. Following registration, the swimmers will be taken by bus to their selected starting point.
The swim route will be marked by special buoys; boats and kayaks with rescue teams and medical staff will be along the entire route in case of need. The heats will not be timed. However, medals will be awarded to all swimmers completing their track. In addition, a special prize cup will be presented to the first three swimmers completing each heat.”
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