HEROES TRIATHLON - Kayak Swim Support (Centennial Park, MD)

ANNOUNCEMENThttp://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/9/4/event_246880852.jpeg

Photo:Kayakers assemble in the early morning hours at Centennial Lake to support triathletes for the Columbia Triathlon.

Yes, it's really early, but it's a great cause, plus donuts, bagels, coffee and a free T-shirt will also be served before the swim. ;)

Here is an open water swimming event that's PERFECT for a beginner kayak swim support volunteer. :) Yet regardless of your experience, your kayaking skills will be especially appreciated for this event, as you offer support to over 500 unsung heroes - triathletes in our regional community - for the 0.62 Mile swim portion of this sprint triathlon.

TriColumbia is hosting its annual

'Celebrating Heroes Triathlon (http://www.tricolumbia.org/events/?eid=9)' on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 7am

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Event Description:

"Welcome to the 2013 Celebrating Heroes Triathlon, an inspirational sprint triathlon taking place amid the rolling countryside in Howard County, MD. Join us in celebrating the birth of our nation's independence, and applauding the spirit of the American Hero.

TriColumbia salutes the many heroes that make our nation great; from wounded warriors, rescue workers and first responders to everyday unsung heroes who go out of their way to selflessly lend a hand to provide hope and help to those in need. ..."

Kayak Swim Support Background:

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Photo: Kayak volunteers provide swim support duties to open water swimmers at Columbia Triathlon Series

After volunteering at over a dozen kayak swim support events, imho TriColumbia hosts the most controlled and organized open water swim venue at Centennial Lake that altogether better serves the safety interests for swimmers, kayakers, lifeguards and rescue personnel.

Aside from 'common swim support duties', such as offering rest and directional guidance to swimmers, you'll be loaned a preset VHF radio and orange flag to best alert the Swim Command Coordinator (ii.e. John Burtman) that a swimmer seeks to end the race and requires assistance from a lifeguard or pick-up from a rescue boat.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/2/8/event_246893032.jpegPhoto: Professional lifeguards coordinate with kayakers to assist in swim support.

Event Details: Kayak Launch Site: Near Lake Dam via Park Maintenance Entryway Only - location site revealed to those who RSVP only Swim Support Briefing Time: 6:20 AM (yes,.. that's early!) Race Start Time: 7:00 AM Approximate Finish Time: 09:30 - 10:00 AM Approximate No. of Swimmers: 500 Contact Info: John Burtman, Swim Safety Coordinator TriColumbia Additional details will be provided to those who RSVP