On Aug. 15 more than 150 swimmers will cross Oyster Bay Harbor during the 14th Annual Swim-A-Cross in Bayville to support the American Red Cross in Nassau County. This year, many will swim in support of service members in the United States military. I encourage others to join them this year by swimming in support of a loved one in the military or by making a donation in his or her name. Swimmers can have a photograph displayed of the military member at the event.

One of the primary responsibilities at the Red Cross is supporting U.S. military members and their families, both in times of war and peace, through its Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) program. This program serves as a critical communication link between members of the military deployed anywhere in the world and their loved ones, as well as providing crisis counseling and financial assistance to service members and their families when needed. Within the last year, your local Red Cross chapter assisted numerous military families in Nassau County, especially with the conflict in Iraq.

The Swim-A-Cross is a one-mile swim across Oyster Bay Harbor. Check-in is at 10:00 a.m. at Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on the swimmers. There is no time limit to finish the swim, just swimming for a good cause. Participants must have a strong swimming background and must be able to swim a mile in a pool. Refreshments will be available for all participants.

The event will benefit Red Cross disaster services, lifesaving and AFES programs in Nassau County. The pre-registration fee is $25 and day of registration is $35 at the beach. Raise $50 in sponsorships to receive a Swim-A-Cross T-shirt. Other prizes are available for sponsorships of more than $50. For registration information, please call us at (516) 747-3500 ext. 251 or download a registration form a www.NassauRedCross.org. Thank you for helping us continue our mission of saving lives, providing emergency services, and supporting our military. Richard Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer.