The Hastings on Hudson FD Assisted With The The Lighthouse Swim Across The Hudson Swim To Raise Funds For Hunger

On Sunday August 30th Members of the Hastings FD Swift Water Rescue Team in Marine 75 along with many other Rivertown Fire, Police, kayak & Paddleboarders provided safety boats to assist the participating swimmers. The event was held by "Light House Swim Across The Hudson" to raise funds to feed the hungry. Swimmers began in Nyack swimming against a strong current and finished in Sleepy Hollow. The event raised $70,000 for the cause. During the swim the Hastings FD team assisted a total of 17 swimmers. On one occasion pulling 8 swimmers from the path of an oncoming barge and moving the to safety. One of the Hastings FD members Alan Golds participated in the swim. We hope to assist next year

A note received from the Vessel Safety Coordinator Jerry Gregory
I would like to “Thank you All” on behalf of myself & The Lighthouse Swim Committee for an Outstanding Effort in ensuring the Safety and Completion of yesterday’s Swim! Although the Swim Course was achievable for some of the faster swimmers, the “Mighty Hudson” threw us a curve ball as we know causing the Course for the Swimmers to widen due to increased current per the recent Full Moon Cycle. Then if that was not enough the Creeping Barge that approached the Swim Course to follow! All in all, the swift efforts of the Kayakers, Jet Skis, Pleasure Boats and Safety Vessels along with excellent communication cadence provided a safe completion for this years “2026 Lighthouse Swim”. That being said we are still tallying up the donations of which we are hopeful to be near $70K for this year! All of this could not be achieved without you the “Volunteers” who provide your time and expertise on the Hudson River for this Event!

Very Much Appreciated,