Below is a followup message to the one about water quality in the harbor and swimming prospects. It comes from Adam Brown the professional diver whom I mentioned and who is head of the Working Waterfront group. This is from a public email sent out to a big list of people. The invitation also appears in the current New Yorker magazine. In regard to the statement made below about Manhattan lacking a beach, there are plans for two vest pocket size beaches as well as numerous get-downs (steps leading down to the water's edge) in the new Hudson River Park that forms about 5 miles of Hudson River waterfront in the lower half of Manhattan. happy swimming (when not paddling :-)), ralph diaz ------------------------------------begin quoted section “SPLASH” What will YOU being doing on the hottest weekend of the year? Come be our guest on a special "3 Hour Cruise" you will never forget. On July 3, 2000, Swim the Apple and the Working Waterfront Association are sponsoring a FREE “swim-in” next to Governor’s Island. Amidst the stately procession of Tall Ships down the East River, and the 11 mile long International Naval Review Fleet, we will be hosting a free “swim-in” off the shoreline of Governor’s Island. The historic 80 foot tugboat, 'Bertha', will pick up swimmers from Pier 63 Maritime, at the end of West 23rd street, and carry them to an anchorage at the south end of Governor’s Island. Swimming in the water, then relaxing on the tugboat, you will experience a hint of the pleasure that a true beach would provide. This is NOT a marathon swim; we're far too lazy for that. Bring an inner tube, or just float on your back - you're on holiday with us! The event is free, and open to all members of the press and public, on a first-come first-serve basis. Space is limited, please reserve early by calling: 212 505-0694. Swimmers should bring their own bathing costumes, towels, and refreshments. Please arrive at Pier 63, at the very west end of 23rd street, by 11 AM to sign in. We depart promptly at 11:30AM and return around 2:30PM. We will make every attempt to accomodate people with disabilities. Please let us know in advance if you have special needs. Why are we doing this? Over the past decade, the waters of New York Harbor have become increasingly cleaner, and are now generally safe for swimming. Unfortunately, water access remains limited, in part because most New Yorkers still believe that the Harbor is too polluted for safe bathing. Increasingly, small groups of people are finding their way into the waters of Manhattan, using the small beaches, piers, and breaks in the seawall that dot the waterfront. Despite growing interest, Manhattan remains the only borough without a public swimming beach. Swim the Apple, with the support of the Working Waterfront Association, has been leading public swims from boats throughout New York Harbor. Governors Island, which was recently vacated by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a stone’s throw from Manhattan's historic Battery Park and is slated for development in the next few years. The south end of Governors Island is an ideal spot for the construction of a “lagoon beach:” – a quiet, sand-lined cove with a connection to the waters of New York Harbor. "SPLASH" will highlight the suitability of this site for the development of a public swimming beach. During the 30 minute cruise to the "swimming hole", we will present information about the improvements in water quality and the feasibility of developing the Governors Island beach site. All people who swim become automatic members of Swim the Apple. "SPLASH" is a partnership of Swim the Apple and the Working Waterfront Association, and is made possible through the generous cooperation of the United States Coast Guard. ------------------------end quoted section -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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