Lake Hopatcong Perimeter Swim Challenge
Lake Hopatcong Perimeter Swim Challenge
June 30, 2018 – 28.4 Mile Lake Hopatcong Swim benefiting Jefferson Township Fire Company 2
On June 30, 2018 Bridgette Hobart-Janeczko is attempting to swim the approximately 28.4-mile perimeter of Lake Hopatcong to raise funds and awareness for Jefferson Township Fire Company 2 (JTFD2). In addition to providing fire protection to homes and businesses in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township, JTFD2 operates ice rescue, water rescue and dive teams and provides ice rescue and water rescue training to other area fire departments. JTFD2 operates the only fire boat on Lake Hopatcong and provides the only fire protection to the islands on the lake.
The swimmer, Bridgette Hobart Janeczko, will swim under English Channel/Marathon Swimmers Federation rules. In summary, this is a solo swim with the swimmer wearing one porous suit, cap, goggles and no aids. The swimmer will not touch a boat or bottom during the swim but will stop every 30 minutes for feeding. During feeding the swimmer will independently tread water.
Event sponsored by Live The Lake NJ
Bob Janeczko, volunteer firefighter with Company 2, will serve as kayak escort and be responsible for navigation. A marine Garmin will be used to ensure all pre-defined waypoints are reached. Overall, there are approximately 300 waypoints predefined. A map showing the proposed course is shown below.
Pilot and crew will be on a pontoon boat to assist and document the swim with additional support provided by JTFD2 Public Safety Dive Boat. The swim is estimated to take between 16 and 20 hours. The swim will start and finish at the Windlass Restaurant at 45 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ and is expected to begin at or about 3:00 a.m.
A Dine & Donate landing party will be held at the Windlass Restaurant on the day of the swim. The Windlass will be donating a portion of all proceeds to the event. If all goes well, Bridgette will complete her swim and arrive at the Windlass during the Dine & Donate event. The Windlass is located at 45 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.
Direct contributions to benefit Company 2 are being accepted at www.signmeup.com/JTFD2.
Near real-time GPS positions via Spot Tracker will be posted online so that those interested may monitor the progress of the swim. If boaters or residents want to join the journey, then the above website also lists the ETA for various points on the course. The event is sponsored by LiveTheLakeNJ.com.
Lake Hopatcong Challenge Timeline
