FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Attach your bib to your escort craft so it is clearly visible shore-side.
  
• PADDLE escorts stay on shore-side of balloons
  
• POWER boats stay on lake-side of balloons.
  
• Escorts: Need help? Wave something other than arms. 
  
• Swimmers: no friendly waves – it confuses Rescue.
  
• Follow the yellow balloons.
  
• To receive the Lee J. Greer Award, you must complete the swim unassisted and without fins or other propulsion devices.
  
• You may touch or hold onto a boat if it does not assist you in forward movement.
  
• This is not a guided trip, and you must make your own decisions regarding your abilities and the weather. 
  
• If you must take shelter, please go to the nearest covered pier, but be respectful of the owners and attempt to get permission. 
  

What to bring

A faithful adult friend or relative to guide you - Patience helps

Kayaks - work very well, as do small boats. 

Electric trolling motors - are great, and no gas fumes!

Also helpful - Wetsuits are allowed, but rarely used. Goggles. Swim cap (for visibility)

Listen to your teacher! 
We've adopted themes to make Take the Lake unique and fun each year, 
and for 2012, we're paying tribute to educators.  
So, please forgive us if we sound a bit like 
your third-grade teacher...

The Take the Lake Swim

Monday, September 5, 2011 at 8 a.m.
Assembly: Dale’s or the dam, depending on weather 
- look for signs - from 7:30–7:45 a.m. 
Instructions: 7:45 a.m. sharp

Swim Training Schedule

By July 1: 
Swim for at least 20 minutes, 
at least once each week

In August: 
Swim for 40 minutes non-stop, 
at least two times

Week prior: 
Swim non-stop for at least one hour.

But, can you do it? 
Do not attempt this Personal Endurance Challenge if you cannot easily: Swim for one hour.

Watch a video about the remarkable "Redneck Endless Pool" long-distance swim trainer. (Remarkable, ridiculous - what's the difference?)

The above schedule is a minimal training estimate for an average person and it in no way guarantees success. Always consult a health or fitness professional before embarking on a new exercise regimen.

Class Guidelines

• People ages nine to seniors have passed this test, in a Labor Day tradition that began here in the 1940s. (See story)
  

• Each swimmer must have a safety escort boat – paddle or motor, and piloted by an adult – for this 2-5 hour exam. 
  
• Follow the yellow marker balloons.
  
• To receive the official Lee J. Greer "diploma", you must swim unassisted and without propulsion devices. You may touch or hold onto a boat so long as it does not assist you in forward movement.
  
• If you must take shelter, use the nearest pier, but be respectful of the owners and try to get permission. 
  
• In the Silver Swim Relay, up to four people age 55 or older, (who have completed this swim before,) may team up. The swim is the only PEC where a relay team is permitted.
  
• You must report to us if you drop out.
  
• Expect to complete this exam in less than four hours.
  

Note to swim supporters!

Dick Crutchfield at the helm.

Kayaks do work well as support boats, but you can fit a whole family on a boat, and rather than run the gas-powered engine for three hours, you might consider a trolling motor.

The Crutchfields have used them for years. They're quieter, more relaxing, cheaper, and they don't create fumes that annoy swimmers. 

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