2008 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I be a safety kayaker for my child?
No, you can not safety kayak for your child. You are welcome to swim along with them, and there will be plenty of volunteer kayakers to assist if someone gets tired and needs a rest. You can hold on to a kayak to rest if you ask nicely, and you can have a kayaker tow you to a powerboat which will then take you to shore.
If you do not wish to swim along with your child, or grandparent, etc., then you can most effectively stay connected with them by walking along the Pedestrian Long Bridge at the swimmer's pace. The swimmer and you will be able to easily see and talk to each other.
2. Can my child start the swim and get out if he or she gets too tired?
Absolutely! We think it's great that anyone wants to try the Long Bridge Swim, and if they get tired, one of the kayakers will be happy to take them to a power boater who will take them to shore to join in all of the food, music and festivities. For safety reasons we do recommend that children under the age of 12 swim with a responsible adult. So come on adults, if your kid wants to try it, why don't you try it with them?
3. What about temperatures? Should I wear a wetsuit?
This year the water temperatures are likely to be between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and they are almost always in the range of 65 to 70 degrees every year. Wet suits are encouraged as they both keep you warm, and make you more buoyant, which helps you swim faster! But wetsuits are certainly not required. Smaller children and adults, because they have less body mass get colder faster so they may especially appreciate a wet suit.
4. Where could I rent a wetsuit?
Try calling your local sports shops.
5. What if the weather is bad?
The Long Bridge Swim will go on in almost any weather conditions. The major exception is lightning. Early August should provide a relatively low chance of storms, but we can't control the weather. In the case of lightning, we may delay the start to see if the storm would pass and allow us to safely swim.
We understand that some, or many, people may choose to not swim if the weather is rough. We only ask that you let the Registration people know at Check-In that you have picked up your bag and that you will NOT be swimming. We absolutely need to know for safety reasons which swimmers go into the water, and which swimmers come out! We hope that you will enjoy your tee shirt and try again next year.
6. What about spectators?
The more the merrier! Spectators are encouraged to watch and cheer for their favorite swimmers, as they walk along the Pedestrian Long Bridge and Bike Path. Many individuals have gone from "spectator" one year to "swimmer" the next! So watch out, watching may be contagious and you may get hooked!
7. If the Mandatory Safety Meeting is at the north end of the Long Bridge, (where I will park my car), how do I get to the south end where the swim starts?
We have very friendly local school bus drivers who volunteer their time to shuttle us down to the south end for the start. Please remember to thank them, and the many other volunteers who make this whole event possible.
8. Where do I park my car?
Parking has become quite challenging as our event has grown larger over the years. Those who arrive early will find the closest and most convenient places to park. Late comers may need to park at the large public parking lot at City Beach. Turn right onto Beach Street off of 1st Avenue after the first traffic light as you drive into Sandpoint coming from the south on Highway 95 after crossing the Long Bridge.
9. What time should I arrive to Check In?
Swimmers can start checking in at 6:30 AM on the morning of the big day. All swimmers must be: registered, checked in, body marked, have their uniquely numbered swim cap, and be ready for the Mandatory Safety Meeting by 7:55 AM. We will cut off Registration and Check In at that time.
10. What time is the Mandatory Safety Meeting?
It is at 8:00 AM and is very important as we have lots of new swimmers every year, and because our numbers have grown so much over the last 14 years and some procedures have changed.
11. Should I be concerned about the "mass start" with so many swimmers in this event?
Yes and no. The start has the potential to be the most dangerous and uncomfortable time of this whole event. If you are not an extremely competitive, and very fast (think collegiate All American or Olympic Trial Qualifier) swimmer, then you DO NOT want to be at the front of the mass of swimmers! This cannot be emphasized enough. People at other events have had some very frightening and unpleasant experiences with being kicked, elbowed, and pulled underwater by other swimmers in the frantic first minute of the event. If you are not a superstar swimmer, please hold back and allow the other swimmers to spread out ahead of you until there is a nice and comfortable space around you to begin your long and enjoyable journey all of the way across Lake Pend Oreille. In a swim of this length (1.76 Miles), it really doesn't matter if you hang out on shore for the first 3-5 minutes after the gun goes off. Also, the further you hang back at the start, the more swimmers you have the potential to pass in the coming 1 to 2 hours of swimming, and that can feel like a great accomplishment.
12. If I start the swim on the south end of the bridge and finish at the north end of the bridge, where do I put my towel, shoes etc?
You will be given a white plastic bag with your number on it, in which you can put your shoes, towel, etc. That bag will be picked up by volunteers before you enter the water at the south end of the bridge. These will be placed in a truck and driven to the north end of the bridge where it will be waiting for you. The bags are organized by number, and a friendly volunteer will check your swim cap and body marked number and fetch your bag for you.
13. Do I have to be a competitive swimmer to swim the Long Bridge Swim?
Absolutely not! This is a community event and we encourage everyone to enjoy this fun event. All kinds of people, from 7 to 86 years old have made it, and we believe that you can too! You do not need to be a super athlete or serious swimmer to finish the 1.76 miles. All you need is a strong sense of adventure and a willingness to "keep on splashing," with as many breaks to float and rest on your back, while talking with your fans on the bridge, as you would like. The fans will cheer you on, and the safety kayakers will also be there to encourage you.
14. Can I wear flippers or fins, a life jacket, mask or snorkel?
Yes masks, fins, snorkels, and life jackets are all OK. Anything goes for our event! The Long Bridge Swim is focused on fun and participation, so there really are no restrictions except motorized propulsion. We've had individuals with kick boards, water noodles, life jackets, fins, and several very creative costumes as well. Those with swim aids don't qualify for "speed" awards, naturally.
15. How can I tell how far I've swum during the race?
There will be signs posted on the Pedestrian Long Bridge letting you know when you've swam one quarter mile, one half, three quarters, and one complete mile. When you reach land, where the Pedestrian Bridge ends and the Bike Path and the 12 numbered pilings begin, you will know that you have made the hardest part and only have .62 miles left to go!
16. What if I have to go to the bathroom?
There are porta potties located at the north end of the Bridge, where Registration and the mandatory safety meeting are held. There are also porta potties on the south end where we enter the water, and then at Dog Beach where we finish the swim.
17. Is the food and drink at the finish at Dog Beach for everyone?
Unfortunately, we cannot feed all of the hundreds of family members and spectators. The food that we provide at Dog Beach is for swimmers and volunteers only. We hope this year to also have food and drink available for a reasonable price provided by a local non-profit group as a small fundraiser for a local cause.
18. Do I have to wear a swim cap?
For safety reasons, all swimmers must wear the uniquely numbered cap that they are given in their race packet. If you misplace your swim cap, or it comes off in the water, you will not be allowed to swim in this event. No Exceptions! This is for very important visibility and safety reasons.
19. Are there any campgrounds nearby?
The closest campground is Springy Point on Lakeshore Drive . It is located approximately three miles from the south end of the Long Bridge. Please remember that you will need to check in at the north end of the Long Bridge and attend the mandatory safety meeting. For more information on campgrounds and to make reservations please go to www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
20. Can you suggest a motel or hotel nearby?
Visit the Sandpoint Online Lodging site to make reservations online, or call the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce (Mon. thru Fri. 9 to 5, Sat. 10 to 3, Sun. 11 to 2) for a wide variety of lodging reservations at (800) 800-2106.
21. How can you support your event, now or in the future?
There are many ways that you could support our event. Please contact Jim Zuberbuhler at jzuberbuhler@earthlink.net and he will assist you in assisting us.
22. Could I or my business become a Sponsor of this event?
Yes! We have several levels of sponsorship: under $50, $50 - $199, $200 - $999, $1000 and above. Please contact Jim Zuberbuhler at jzuberbuhler@earthlink.net, or Karen, by calling 208-265-2615 or emailing her.
23. What does the tee shirt look like this year?
That is a surprise for everyone to discover on the morning of the swim!
24. Can I buy extra shirts for this year or past years?
Yes, you can buy extra shirts for yourself or your friends and relatives. The colorful Long Bridge Swim shirts have been seen all over this country, and in a growing number of other countries around the world. Wear your shirt proudly and join the growing "family" of participants who count this festive event as one of their favorite celebrations of life!
For this year's shirts, please order with your registration or as soon as you possibly can so we can get enough shirts printed, or send $8 per shirt to Long Bridge Swim, 2023 Sandpoint West Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Indicate size and quantity. Youth: Small, Medium, or Large
and Adult: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, XXL ($10), XXXL ($10)
Past years shirts, if available, will be for $5, first come first served, on the morning of the Long Bridge Swim.
26. When and how do I find out my place and time for the swim?
When you climb out onto the welcoming sands of Dog Beach you will be handed a numbered card which indicates what place overall you finished this event. That card will be taken from you and then your time will be recorded onto it for the timing department to then enter into the computer. We will post times and places that morning on the side of the motorhome when they become available. Please be patient with our volunteers, they are trying to go as fast as they can.
We will email out the times for all finishers to all swimmers who provide us with a current email address. This usually takes us 1-5 days as we need to confirm that we have the results as accurate as possible.
Results will also be posted on our website: www.longbridgeswim.com within a week of the event. Please keep checking back to the website to see when they are posted there.
27. What if I have lost something on the day of the swim?
Contact Karen at 208-265-261 or Jim Zuberbuhler at jzuberbuhler@earthlink.net and we will try to assist you in retrieving your item. We may still have your item from years past, but please check as quickly as you can.
28. Can I register to swim on the morning of the event?
Yes you can! But it makes it much easier for us if you will register in advance. We make a sincere effort to get a tee shirt out to all swimmers who want one and we have to submit our very large order well in advance of our swim day. There is no guarantee of a shirt for those who register late (postmarked after July 12).
29. What about all of that construction by the Railroad at Dog Beach?
Fortunately for us, we live in a very friendly small town and the railroad is being incredibly accommodating and allowing us to use their right-of-way, even with their big project going on. Our space on Dog Beach will be significantly smaller this year after we get out of the water, so swimmers and spectators will need to step around to the west and spread out along the Bike Path to enjoy the food and music of our festivities. We must stay completely out of their fenced off area and away from their equipment.
If you still have unanswered questions please email them to Karen.
Thank you so much for all of your enthusiastic encouragement of this event year after year. The 2008 Long Bridge Swim was a splashing success! Please remember to thank our community volunteers and business sponsors whenever you see them. Without them, we couldn't have all of the fun of doing this crazy swim!
