Swim Laps, Fight Cancer in Lynbrook

Channel your inner Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin or Ryan Lochte by hitting the Lynbrook pool Saturday morning for the third annual Swim Across America.

Unlike the Olympic Games though, there will be no losers at the Aug. 11 swim event, only winners. There will be no gold medals, but plenty of mettle; no pressure or fame, but purpose and fun. Regardless of age or skill levels, everyone who participates in the event will help to one day win the fight against cancer by raising money to fund crucial research.

To date, the program has raised more than $50,000 for cancer research and this year's event has already brought in over $15,000.

Fifty swimmers are already signed up to swim and it's not too late to get your feet wet. You can still register as an individual, choosing to swim either a full mile or half the distance solo, or as a team or family to share your laps.

"Don't feel intimidated by the swim [distance]," says Kelly Stapleton and Julie Bergin, committee delegates for the event. "Raising funds to fight cancer is our main goal. You can have a fun swim and set a goal for yourself and your family."

There's also an "endless relay" that kids can hop into at any time throughout the day.

You can sign-up online (which is highly recommended) or in-person on the day of the event, which will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the pool in . If you prefer to stay dry, you can instead volunteer or pledge to sponsor a swimmer by searching for their name on the event's Web site.

Swim caps, bracelets, snacks, and drinks will be provided for all swimmers, along with T-shirts for every participant who raises atleast $100. Raise $500 or more and you'll get a towel too.

Bergin adds, "It is a fun morning of fundraising and a great, worthwhile event for the Lynbrook community."

For more information about the program, click here.