River crossing, summer 2000

River crossing, summer 2000.

In the summer of 1995, a group of swimmers tackled the 3.5 km between the Grondines and Leclercville wharves for the first time. Raymond Faucher’s idea of swimming across the river was made a reality by the involvement of the ATDG (Association touristique de Grondines) and, more specifically, Jacques Trottier, who was in charge of organizing the race for the 11 years of its existence.

Every summer until 2006, the crossing brought together some 25 to 30 swimmers and as many kayakers to ensure their safety. In addition to the ratio of one kayak per swimmer, a motorboat is provided for every two swimmers, as well as a pontoon-ambulance. With the help of Serge Arcand, a St. Lawrence pilot from Grondines, we ensure that marine traffic does not hinder the safety of the crossing.

You have to be in top shape to swim in the river! The water may look calm from the shore, but the channel and wind can give swimmers a hard time, as they sometimes drift with the current. The crossing alternates between Grondines and Leclercville every other year, depending on the tides, to prevent the current from knocking swimmers too far off course. Even at the top of their game, the fastest swimmers manage the feat in around 1 hour.