By Terry Waldspurger
On Saturday, June 18, 2005, members of the Rescue Squad provided stand-by assistance for the 14th Annual Maryland Swim for Life at Rolph’s Wharf Marina on the Chester River. The swim, sponsored by the District of Columbia Aquatics Club, included dozens of swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Swims ranged from one to five miles, beginning and ending at Rolph’s Wharf and heading upstream toward the Chestertown bridge. Ambulance 8, staffed by EMTs Kathy Hastings and Diane Ayres, was ready in case any of the swimmers or volunteers needed assistance. On the water, Boat 8, with EMTs Larry Hastings and Terry Waldspurger at the helm and Kent County Dive Team members EMT/Dive Captain 3 George Bartholomew and Paramedic/Diver Chris “Peewee” Carter in their dive gear, patrolled the river. EMT Jeff Reed was also needed to retrieve a weight belt for Chris (come on, Peewee, you need a weight belt??)
The weather was beautiful, with sunny skies, fair temperatures, and light winds. Fortunately, none of the participants required any assistance from the squad, although a few swimmers were almost scared to death by the sudden appearance of our fearless divers surfacing next to them. Chris almost required medical attention himself when he smacked his head on a ladder while submerging for a dive. His head, however, is the hardest part of him, so he was no more dazed than usual. George showed why he is a Dive Master, gliding gracefully through the water in search of potential victims.
At the conclusion of the swim, the organizers thanked the rescue squad members and gave them lunch and t-shirts. The swim was a huge success, and we look forward to participating again next year.
