33rd ANNUAL FREEDOM SWIM – JULY 4, 2024
TIME: This year’s Freedom Swim will start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Discussion with swimmers before the start will occur at 1:20 p.m.
ROUTE: The 2024 Freedom Swim will start from Live Oak Point. Swimmers are to gather in the water offshore of the public beach and Riverwalk boardwalk at the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U. S. 41 Bridge. Swimmers will paddle, swim, or float to the channel and down the Peace River towards the landing site at Fishermen’s Village, exiting the water at Harpoon Harry’s. The crossing is estimated to take 40 minutes to 3 hours.
There will be no Trolley Service
As always this is intended to be a happening rather than a race. Although there will be numerous vessels escorting the swimmers across the river, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and their own support team. Swim with a buddy, it’s safer and more fun.
Various governmental agencies will be on the water. Vessels will be required to operate at idle speed in the Peace River Channel from the U. S. 41 Bridge.
The 4th of July Freedom Swim in Punta Gorda, Florida, is a unique tradition that has been celebrated for more than 30 years¹. Here’s what you need to know about it:
– It’s been told that the event started spontaneously when Punta Gorda attorney Michael Haymans and some friends decided to celebrate the Fourth of July by swimming the 1.5-mile distance across the Peace River¹. The idea was inspired by stories from the 1940s, where swimming across the river was a rite of passage for teens.
– The event attracts swimmers, as well as kayakers, paddle boarders, and boaters. Participants can swim, paddle, or float across the Peace River from Charlotte Harbor to Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda.
The 4th of July Freedom Swim in Punta Gorda, Florida is a well-established tradition known for its celebratory and inclusive atmosphere. Here’s what you can expect:
It’s not a competitive race, but rather a fun community event where people of all ages and abilities can participate.
People can use various methods to complete the swim – traditional swimming, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable rafts, inner tubes, or even pool noodles.
Costumes and festive attire are encouraged, adding to the celebratory spirit.
I hope this information helps you plan your participation in the Punta Gorda 4th of July Freedom Swim
