Icebergs were visible on the shoreline, and the temperatures hover in the low 50s. The waters of Frederick Sound were cold -like a knife within your skin. Cold. It was exactly how I felt when I tried to retrieve an “diver into” flag that sailed overboard.
If you’re fully submerged, it’s like your breath is taken out of your lung. This is why Andrew Simmonds was wearing wearing an extremely thick wetsuit, it took him about one hour before he can put it on. The suit is designed to protect him from the worst cold, however, he’ll be spending the rest all day in frigid water.
Simmonds, 61 is the first in the history of mankind to attempt to cross the sound by swimming. Last summer, he got close, but didn’t quite make it. He wanted to go to the end this time around, which could be his final attempt.
However, things have changedand now, he’s headed to the silver medal. Simmons was beat to the core when another swimmer crossed the finish line just three days prior. His name was Scott May.
“It is actually the shortest tide shift of the month as well as the weather gorgeous,” said May.
May, 59 years old is a retired teacher from Juneau. He saw an opportunity in the perfect weather conditions and jumped at the chance.
“I met with my wife Bridget along with my dear buddy, Tommy Thompson, and told them, ‘Hey, we can take a boat trip Wednesday morning”” stated May. “Then we walked over there and got in the water and the rest is history, I suppose.”
Scott May may have been the first person to cross the river however he chose the most direct route. Simmonds is aiming for the longest crossing seven miles.
But there’s camaraderie between the two swimmers even at an extended distance. They didn’t get to meet face-to-face following Simmonds’ third attempt. The day after Simmonds swimming, May is watching him from his home using the binoculars. May also gave some tips -to Simmonds, the toughest part was the frigid temperatures. He claims the cold was nearly unbearable by about halfway.
“I was feeling discouraged as the weather was becoming colder as well Frederick Point wasn’t getting any closer,” said May. “I wanted to keep going because I’m not someone who quits easily. When I was looking at the rocks and seaweed, I pushed through that last stop, and did not stop, but simply climbed out and laid down. This was probably the most memorable aspect of the entire experience.”
Simmonds was forced to fight against a strong stream just before he got to the limit. He was burned out and forced him to be rescued from the boat. In preparation for this excursion, he confessed that the fear that about the possibility that his “old bones” will not be able to make it. However, he’s smiling through his nerves as are those relating to his deep anxiety about bumping into marine life that lurks below.
“I believed I’d get an attack of heart if I sat down in the ocean and saw eyes looking towards me.” explained Simmonds. “It could have really scared me out. However, that’s part of the process — confronting the fears of one’s own.”
Simmonds is about three quarters of the distance from the sound, when the ache starts to set in. He’s feeling cold, his face is exposed and unbloody.
Simmonds is a member of the Petersburg Search and Rescue team, and he was injured on his left shoulder just a few weeks ago while hauling equipment for firefighters working to put out the flame that destroyed the catholic church in the area.
Josef Quitslund is piloting the rescue boat. He frequently checks whether the man is still in the water. Sometimes providing him with food, such as choc chip cookie and milk according to his request.
Simmonds has been a little hesitant. He’s also struggling with the current, the same way as the previous year. From the captain’s seat Quitslund explains how the boat is sturdy enough to propel his boat. But Simmonds’ arms as well as legs don’t stop turning.
Seven hours after leaving the shores of Sandy Beach, Andrew Simmonds is able to touch the surface of the cliff that is on the opposite side. He falls just a few feet away from a waterfall and falls to the sea.
In the past, Simmonds claimed Simmonds had been running across the Sound in the past for “no reason whatsoever.” But now Simmonds claims he’s crossed several.
“It’s about imagination, and exploring the limits of what I can push these bone fragments,” Simons said. “It’s about the incredible assistance I received in the last year.”
What’s next for these two swimmers? They’re not sure — however, they’re considering the idea of starting an association. It’s currently an unofficial club of two at the very least, until other members are able to brave the icy waters of Frederick Sound.
