Thank you all so much for being a part of this. The endurance comes not only from swimming for a couple of 1-hour legs, but also from the all-nighter we pulled in a rocking dive boat that caused a few of us to be "a bit uncomfortable" to say the least.

I thought one of the great lessons this swim taught us was to dive in and take a couple of strokes in discomfort - whether from cold, nausea, disorientation in the darkness, etc... - and then take a couple more, and just another 5 minutes more, and just a few strokes further. Kinda like how we string our lives together "One Day at a Time." Before we know it, we've achieved something wonderful - this time, as a beautiful, collaborative effort.

From "Be a Part of the Conversation" Instagram post from September 2023:

Today, we’re focusing on health. 🏊‍♂️ Check out this clip from our “Pathways to Recovery: Adventure & Recreation” program featuring Jeff Rake, founder of @iswim4_foundation Jeff’s story shows how recreation & adventure can play a vital role in reclaiming health during recovery.

Is He Going to Die? - Kyle P’s Story

Scott R - Swimming…is a very important part of my recovery

My name is Sandra. I started swimming very early on in life in Australia, as many people there do. When I was 14 we moved to the US, and I found myself very angry at the move .....

Bill and Jeff recently spent time with the SwimOut Podcast (Season 5, episode 2 - aired March 30) and shared their inspiration, mission, and how their Catalina Channel Relay for Social Responsibility came to light. iSwim4 is proud to help those struggling or impacted by substance use disorder through the community of swimming.

Our own Rob Bedford, a swimmer and coach with the French Creek Racing swim program, was recently featured in “FROM THE RABBIT HOLE”, the French Creek Racing News.

iSwim4 is pleased to be featured in the latest issue of SWIM Magazine, a new lifestyle magazine for swimmers based in the UK. You will find our great article in Issue #8

iSwim4 is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Pardee Aquatic Center at the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club in Solana Beach, CA

A successful set of Catalina Channel Relay swimmers (unsanctioned) supporting those impacted by substance use disorder.

Brooke B is almost 1 year sober; a dog mom, swimmer, hiker, runner, nature lover, and adventurer!!

Katia A has overcome traumatic events in her life; she is an accomplished swimmer living in Southern California, who joined Team iSwim4 and will be swimming in the Catalina Channel Relay for Social Responsibility!

Joe C - I swim as a celebration of who I am, and I am enough. Joe period. I swim as a celebration of love for others, myself and those I've lost. Swimming for me is spiritual practice.

PHILADELPHIA, PA August 22 - On September 26-27, two remarkable relay teams from the Philadelphia and Southern California areas will swim together to shine light on what is possible in recovery from substance use disorder and simultaneously address some of the most urgent social issues facing our society.

The teams will swim from Catalina Island to the California mainland near Palos Verdes, swimming in tandem shifts of 1 hour each in this first-time-ever event. The iSwim4 Foundation is hosting the relay in hope of raising funds to battle substance abuse and help those in recovery stay sober through the physical and mental benefits of swimming.

The iSwim4 Foundation endeavors to help individuals in Recovery to engage in a program of physical well-being through swimming. We teach the principles of goal setting and simply create a safe and friendly, active community. We demonstrate what's possible in Recovery to others who still struggle and to those in society that think we are simply a community of losers who have made bad decisions and now suffer the consequences. And finally, we highlight our value to society by giving back to myriad causes

“Swimming has been wonderful for my mental health and allowed me a vehicle for healing. I have been able to successfully treat my depression, anxiety and C-PTSD without medication. Alcohol is a poison that I know I will never put in my body again. I have such an amazing life and it wouldn’t be this way if not for giving up alcohol and then finding the unexpected gift of swimming. I love the way I look; I love the way I feel, I love my relationships, my mental clarity and just the joy that bubbles up from deep within. “

So much healing and potential are unleashed in sobriety, and I am humbled by those who commit to this path. I no longer feel angry and bitter. I feel hopeful and positive about the future. I hope that my story helps someone out there who may be struggling with a loved one with substance use disorder.

We are proud to begin introducing our iSwim4 Catalina Channel Relay team members. Kelley S is an amazing woman and strong advocate for the power of swimming as a critical aspect of living an alcohol-free life. Ambassador, advisor, and friend, she lives her best life in San Diego!

The iSwim4 Catalina Channel Relay for Social Responsibility is taking shape. We have two relays of six swimmers each from both coasts to demonstrate what is possible in a life of sobriety via a sober swimming community!

The original three iSwim4 members win their second consecutive 3 Mile Relay in Pennsylvania at the Steelman Racing Open Water Swimming Series at Lake Nockamixon