Help Needed by International Swimer
Published: Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Liz is in need of a 14'+ Zodiac-type boat, to borrow or rent, for swimmer assistance to support the 34.5 mile Lake Huron swim on August 10th weekend, 2018, from Port Sanilac, MI to Port Franks, Ontario Canada.
My name is Elizabeth “Liz” Fry from Westport, Connecticut. Although I am American, I began my open water swimming as an 8 year old camper at Camp Akomak on Ahmic Lake, 250 km north of Toronto. On September 11, 2917, I successfully swam Lake Ontario (31.4 miles) in 15 hours, 46 minutes, and 16 seconds, happily landing at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto. I have completed 6 crossings of the English Channel including a two-way and have been inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. My goal is to swim all five Great Lakes.
Elizabeth Fry with Marilyn Bell Di Lascio (left). Marilyn Bell was the first person to officially cross any of the Great Lakes, in particular Lake Ontario, in September of 1954 at the age of 16, in 20 hours and 55 minutes.
The safety rules under Solo Swim of Ontario (the sanctioning organization) require a minimum of four boats. The flotilla will include two main support boats, one sail and one power (length of 30’ or greater), along with two zodiacs 14’ minimum. I have received commitment from ONE 30’ escort boat captain and need your help to complete the team.
The course I plan to take is from Port Sanilac, Michigan, to Port Franks, Ontario. The straight - line distance across the Lake is 34.5 statute miles. My crew to help feed me (and cheer) has been on nearly all my swims. However, I will not be able to attempt this swim without your boat support.
If you can provide an additional boat or support, especially if you have a 14'+ Zodiac or other swimmer-accessible dinghy,
please call or text Elizabeth Fry at (203) 644-2400 or Theresa Clark at (248) 705-9267.
For more information about Liz Fry, check out her swimming history - www.openwaterpedia.com/index.php?title=Elizabeth_Fry
tags: Events, Lake Huron, Women In Boating
