Local open-water swimmers finish strong in St. Croix

Five women members of Open Water Swimmers of Southern Delaware braved rough turquoise waters Nov. 12 in the 27th annual Coral Reef Swim in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Three of the members did what is termed the 2-mile swim, which race officials revealed during the pre-swim meeting the night before to actually be a 2.4-mile distance. Their results are: Chris Noonan Sturm, 64, of Lewes, 1:27:02; Laura Ritter, 73, of Rehoboth Beach, 1:28:10; and Betsy Tootell, 69, of Lewes, 1:30:13. Ritter also took second place in her age group.

Two participants completed the 1-mile swim: Marilyn Spitz, 73, of Lewes, in 44:20, earning second place in her age group; and Nancy Forsyth, 60, of Lewes, 52:01.

The event, which drew 193 swimmers, also features a 5-mile swim.

Organizers said the waters were much rougher than in past years, but a strong current helped push swimmers along. It was so rough that even kayakers helping guide swimmers during the event were prone to seasickness. This swim may be a new fall tradition for the group.