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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Freeport, Bahamas - The 44th annual Bernie Butler BASRA Swim Marathon, named after Mr. Bernie Butler for his countless contributions to the organization, took place on August 16th at Coral Beach and this year's event was said to be the largest to date. The community came out is droves to support the
vital
service that Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) provides Grand Bahama and its surrounding waters.
Many base their annual vacation around this event alone, and it's a time where families and friends gather to socialize on the beach, and show off their swimming strength or latest swimsuit by
participating in the Bernie Butler Swim Race, all in the spirit of supporting BASRA.
The 2-mile morning open water swim competition (
1/2 mile and one mile swim for the kids), was followed by rescue demonstrations over the ocean and a huge beach party keeps everyone entertained for the remainder of the day. Aside from the awards ceremony (official results coming soon) this year's highlights were the visit by the U.S. Coastguard and the UNEXSO dolphins, as well as the live entertainment provided by the local band Uppercut.
Tent
winners for the 3rd year running were the Freeport Aggregates Ltd crew, and in recognition for years of dedicated service to BASRA, Sue Roberts (widow of Capt. John Roberts, whom the tent
theme was named in honor of) was presented with the Life Membership.
"I want
to thank the community of Grand Bahama for supporting our fundraiser
and making this year's event the biggest turn out ever,"
said BASRA GB Chairman, Justin Snisky. "We thank all of
our sponsors, tent sponsors, volunteers, swim committee, and my board of directors for all their hard work, as this event would not have been such
a success with out everyone coming together to support BASRA, and with
the funds raised we can continue on with our mission of 'Saving Lives at
Sea'."
This year's sponsors: Grand Bahama Port Authority, BWA, Four Loko, Australian Gold, Panama Jack, Peter Higgs, Polymers, UNEXSO, G.B. Chiropractic, Bahamian Brewery & Beverage, and Katy Equipment.
The
Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (Grand Bahama) is
a dedicated non-profit voluntary organization committed to saving the
lives of distressed seamen or airmen in the Bahamas. They are supported
only by private donations and therefore require your support through
their fundraising projects. Aside from the costs of their daily
operations and rescue efforts, they are seeking to purchase modern
lifesaving equipment like defibrillators. In addition, they are looking
to the future where they can have a permanent waterfront base of
operations with their own building, on Grand Bahama.
In recognition for years of dedicated service to BASRA, Sue Roberts (widow of Capt. John Roberts, whom the tent theme was named in honor of) was presented with the Life Membership.
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A beautifully captured moment by Don Pecora of the UNEXSO dolphins under the US Coastguard demonstrations
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The U.S. Coastguard gives a demonstration.
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BASRA Grand Bahama chairman, Justin Snisky being interviewed by Ricardo Lightbourne of ZNS News.
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