Swimmers of varying abilities who are conservationists and conservationists who swim, can combine their two passions with the annual
St. Croix Coral Reef Swim,
which is celebrating its 10th year on October 23, 2005, at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Net proceeds from the swim will be donated to the Nature Conservancy, which has been instrumental in the establishment of the East End Marine Park in the waters surrounding St. Croix.
The East End Marine Park protects the largest island barrier reef system in the Caribbean and is home to endangered green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles; it also provides habitat for 17 species of nesting seabirds and marine species such as grouper, snapper, barracuda, parrot fish, doctor fish, surgeon and nurse shark.
Growing from 75 participants in 1995 to 180 in 2004, the colorful coral reef course now attracts swimmers from throughout the world. An entry fee of $80 per swimmer is charged to cover a pre-race gathering on October 22 at the Buccaneer Hotel, an awards lunch, tee shirt, swim cap and the boat ride to the race start. The Buccaneer offers swimmers a 25% discount on accommodation, and American Airlines is offering discounted airfare for swimmers and one companion.
More information on the St. Croix Coral Reef Swim and an entry form
