George Jacobson completes grueling 20 km ocean swim race

September 3, 2013 · 0 Comments

The ocean can be a foreboding place and many veteran swimmers are challenged by open-water races.
George Jacobson never shies away from a challenge.
On June 22, Jacobson completed the FKCC Swim Around Key West 20-kilometre Ocean Swim Race. This annual event is hosted by the Florida Keys Community College in Key West.
Jacobson, who has just turned 61, has been a competitive swimmer his entire life. Although he has swam in open water events prior to this one, he has never tackled a swim race of this magnitude.
“The ocean is much more vicious than open water lake swimming,” said the aquatic journeyman. “Swells, currents, sharks, and the sun all played a big factor in completing a race of this nature. The swimming was about all that I was prepared for.”
Jacobson trained for six months for this race, averaging roughly 100 kilometres per month. The preparation was the key to completing this challenge. Most swim competitions set their water temperature between 79-82 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Florida Keys generally reach a temperature around 88 degrees. Avoiding heat exhaustion and sun stroke played a role in successfully completing this endeavor.
Jacobson had to cover his entire body with a specialized sun screen which contained a large proportion of zinc oxide. This compound creates a barrier against the treacherous ultra violet sun rays.
To prevent dehydration it was necessary to drink constantly with a combination of water and fluids containing electrolytes. The race is “Coast Guard approved” and each swimmer is required to have a kayaker alongside for the full duration of the swim. Swimmers may not touch or hold onto the kayak at any point.
Jacobson had a very successful swim finishing in 6 hours, 36 minutes and 31 seconds.
“Other than a shark swimming past with a couple kilometers to go and a few bouts of sea sickness the race went according to plan,” he said.
Jacobson’s main goal in swimming is to have as much fun with the sport as he can.
“I want to push myself, stay fit, and have fun doing it.”
Jacobson also added that it is very rewarding to see our youth using swimming as an outlet to staying fit. He passes on this philosophy at George Jacobson Swim School and the Vaughan Aquatic Club.
“It is amazing being able to teach young beginner level swimmers during the day and switch over to the high level competitive athletes at night.”
Starting with only a few swimmers when emigrating from South Africa to Canada in 1988, Jacobson’s passion has rubbed off on thousands of young individuals. Children are learning how to swim, compete, as well as, learn how to live a healthy active lifestyle.
Jacobson has operated the George Jacobson Swim School on the 11th Concession in King for the past 24 years. The Richmond Hill resident is president and head coach of the Vaughan Aquatic Club.