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Winthrop Man Plans 24-Hour Pool Swim To Raise Funds For Kids' Swimming Lessons

MARBLEHEAD (CBS) – A North Shore man is going to try to do something that not many people would even think of trying, all to raise money for kids' swimming lessons at the Marblehead YMCA.

On March 8, starting at 1 p.m. at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA pool, Kim Garbarino of Winthrop will attempt to swim 24 hours nonstop.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

Winthrop Man Plans Nonstop 24-Hour Pool Swim To Raise Money For Kids' Swimming Lessons

The stroke of genius that led to this event came about after Garbarino was asked by folks at the YMCA if he would be interested in doing something to help with fundraising.

After taking some time to think about it, he suggested an "attempt" at a 24-hour swim in the Y's pool and they thought it was a great idea.

The Lynn District Court probation officer is a tireless swimmer. He once swam the English Channel, but he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens this is going to be a real challenge.

"I think the challenge in this swim is going to be the boredom," Garbarino said with a chuckle. "I think also it will be physically hard, but going back and forth from one wall to the other in a pool for 24 hours will be something I've never experienced before."

The fundraiser is important to Garbarino because he feels strongly about swimming lessons for kids.

"Every summer everybody hears about the young child, the young kid that drowns. And every time I hear something like that I think how preventable drowning is if a kid can just learn the basics of swimming," he said.

"If he can just stay afloat for a few seconds, if he can just swim a few strokes, then that would be enough to save his life."

If you want to donate to the cause, or swim with Garbarino, go to his fundraising website.

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