The group has been planning this swim for over 2.5 years with Lisa joining the group in the last year. Lisa is a well seasoned open water swimmer but there’s a lot about this particular challenge that’s new to her and the whole team. The crossing will likely take 13-18 hours total, they will start in darkness and are testing out the right combination of lights to help spot toward France in darkness.
 
The training swims in San Francisco gave the whole group an opportunity to practice in salt water with big swells. With so much uncertainty and newness Lisa continues to talk herself into it, knowing that others have done it and are doing it right now, so she can do it too. There is a long history of individuals and relays from all backgrounds and abilities swimming the English Channel. The WisconSWIM Mermaids are the first relay team from Wisconsin – even more exciting that they are an all female team.
 
It can be intimidating to move your swimming from the pool and to start swimming in open water like Lake Superior, but with a few safety considerations and a willingness to be a little chilly at first, you can get out there and experience the big lake in new ways.

Challenging yourself, building and accepting support from community, and celebrating our water resources of are all at the core of what the WisconSWIM Mermaids are up to and promoting in this historic Channel crossing. Be sure to follow their story on their facebook as we move toward their crossing in mid-August 2024.