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WJFW News

Oneida County Dive Team Hosts Open-Water Swim Fundraiser Submitted: 06/20/2012

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MINOCQUA - All the hot and humid weather has more of you hitting the beaches, but that comes with its dangers.

Earlier this month, a swimmer drowned in a Marathon County Lake. The Oneida County Dive Team is trying to prevent drownings in the county and those surrounding.

Since the team got its start in 2007, they've recovered nine bodies in Oneida County alone. But their budget is tight, so this year they're starting a new fundraiser.

The First Annual Minocqua Island Swim Challenge is on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The Challenge is an open water, one-mile swim race from historic Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua to Devine Island and back.

"Without fundraising, we're not sure the dive team could exist," said dive team leader Jim Wood. "The current budget is close, and we're always looking for ways to raise money and improve equipment and keep the team alive."

The race starts at 9:00 a.m. It is recommended that racers are not only fit, but have some open water swim experience and the ability to swim 1 mile. Lake Minocqua water temperature will be between 60-70 degrees. Wetsuits will be allowed.

The racers will start in waist deep water. The course is out and back from Torpy Park to a buoy near the island, turning around the buoy and returning to the park. Swimmers will swim along a course marked by buoys and may be steered by safety monitors if they get off track. The Lake Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lake Protection Association has generously offered to provide boat escorts for the race.

The cost to enter is $35.00 and includes a commemorative t-shirt, swim cap, goody bag and finish line food. Proceeds will go to the Oneida County Dive Team.

To register, stop by the Minocqua Area Chamber or Timber Bay Sport and Dive, 714 Elm Street, Woodruff. You may also register online at www.minocqua.org/minocqua-island-swim-challenge.html or tandhtiming.com.

The Oneida County Dive Team consists of 5 law enforcement officers and 8 civilian divers. They provide immediate response to water related emergencies throughout Oneida County. They cover 1000 lakes and over 74,000 acres of water. The Dive Team helps keep our residents and thousands of visitors safe every year.

For more information please stop by the Minocqua Chamber office, call715-356-5266, or visit the link below.

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Race Information

Story By: Lex Gray

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