Forty-three Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) residents battled the elements as they participated in the Annual Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Swim Across the Bay, Jan. 13.

Participants swam the roughly mile and a half distance from Leeward Beach to Glass Beach under the watchful eyes of safety personnel.

"We had our lifeguards on kayaks, spotters on several MWR boats, and the navy divers keeping watch over the swimmers for any signs of trouble," said Jennifer Bardoni, MWR Aquatics Director. "Also, during the swim, all participants wore bright orange swim caps which allowed us to conduct head counts throughout the swim."

Second-year Swim Across the Bay participant, Seth Lecheler, felt that this year's event was more streamlined.

"This year I think that we had a lot better guiding from the boats and kayaks; it was a lot less zigzagging in the water."

All participants had to take a swim test which included a one mile swim and to be able to tread water in the pool for 15 minutes.

Each participant had their own way of preparing for the race.

"First off, I participated in the Triathlon training program and had a lifeguard, Richardo, help me out and get me all prepared and, secondly, just getting in the water and being relaxed," said Joshua Jepsen, a first-year Swim Across the Bay participant, while talking about how what steps he took to prepare for a successful swim.

Bardoni added that participants that swim across the bay had several things that they had to contend with including current, not being able to see through the water, and other environmental hazards.

"I feel like the best part of the event for me was not getting stung by the jellyfish, that's for sure," said Lecheler.

Bardoni also added that if you are interested in participating in events like the Swim Across the Bay or Olympic Triathlon, come out and train with the Master Swim Tri Training group every Tuesday and Thursday, 1730-1830, in the Windjammer Pool.

"We have swimmers of all ability levels doing organized swim workouts with our lifeguard, Richardo Watson," said Bardoni.

Congratulations to all of this year's Swim Across the Bay participants. Listed below are the top three finishers for the men's and women's divisions:
Men: 1. Joshua Jepsen- 34:38, 2. Seth Lecheler- 40:24, 3. Sean Tribuzi- 42:33
Women: 1. Lynn Gilbody- 41:42, 2. Sara Nowotny- 57:23, 3. Carrie Lipnick- 1:01:28

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