During the pandemic and lock-down when swimming pools were closed, swimmers forged a lifestyle without access to their local swimming pools. Some went to the open water, others picked up dryland activities. All looked forward to the time when swimming pools opened back up.
Now in the greater Los Angeles area, some swimmers have lost all their swimming gear in the wildfires that engulfed their homes and neighborhoods.
Craig Eisenberg of The Swim Guy (@theswimguy) in Santa Monica, California s holding a fundraiser for the swimmers who lost all their swimming gear in the Los Angeles wildfires. In addition to donations from major swimming gear manufacturers, The Swim Guy is helping these people to get back in the water to gain some normalcy in their lives at the time of devastation – with donations of swimsuits, swim caps, goggles, bags, sweats, parkas, towels, etc.
Swimmer can help by donating small amounts. Collectively, it will amount to a lot.
All donations go directly to the impacted swimmers. Visit theswimguy.com/fire-relief.
Eisenberg writes, “We are reaching out on behalf of the Southern California swim community, dedicated to restoring hope and normalcy to our athletic network. Following the wildfires in Los Angeles, our mission is more vital than ever as we unite with the swim community to support swimmers in the hardest-hit areas of Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Altadena.
As we come together, many athletes have lost vital equipment, including custom team uniforms, swimsuits, parkas, and backpacks – items essential for both competition and fostering a sense of normalcy. Through our collaborative efforts with local swim clubs, manufacturers, and the whole Aquatic Family, we aim to provide these necessities to help our swimmers get back in the water and compete again.
We would like to give our heartfelt appreciation to the swim companies that have shown incredible generosity during this disaster: Arena, Jolyn, FINIS, Speedo, TYR, SBR TRI Swim, and RYTE Sport.
Also, a huge thank you for teaming up with Cathy Caplener and her mental health non-profit Giving Purpose to focus on supporting swimmers’ emotional well-being. Together, we are ensuring these athletes feel valued, seen, and supported during this challenging time.“
Caplener writes, “As Los Angeles starts the healing process from the recent fires, I am working with various organizations to help individuals feel worthy, seen, and supported. One group I will be focusing on will be the student swimmers living in the hardest-hit areas of Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Altadena.
My go-to partner to help these schools and students is Craig Eisenberg, aka The Swim Guy.
Craig has amazing relationships with swim vendors, schools, and swim organizations who can help outfit the swimmers to help them get back into the pools with confidence and the support they need to move forward after these devastating fires.
As a USMS swimmer myself, I get how much water can heal us all mentally, physically, and spiritually. Mental health and wellness is going to be a big part of the healing process for these student athletes and it is so important to help them know that they are not alone as they heal.”
Visit theswimguy.com/fire-relief for more information.
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