Newtown Organization Hosting Marathon Underwater Dive Event

A relationship is underway between I-95 and Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue. This is pretty much how all of my relationships start, with yelling.

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I was at the Bridgewater Fair, enjoying the Fireman's parade on Friday (8/19/22). My friends and I had our camping chairs setup along the route when a boat came by, my friend Matt yelled something nonsensical, and then they yelled back, "we love I-95!" "They" were the folks at Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue.

Someone there had recognized, at least one of us and then, it was on. I posted on Instagram that we love them but I can swim better than all of them. They sent me a DM, challenging me and saying they love us and now we're here. They've asked me to help get the word out about a worthwhile cause.

Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue is hosting an event on September 17th at Eichler's Cove Beach beginning at Noon and going all the way to 8 pm. NUSAR will live-stream this event online but this is way more fun in person. Between Noon and 8 pm, NUSAR will have a diver in the water at all times to showoff their underwater capabilities while there will be a team on the beach explaining other safety techniques.

It's the first annual Dive-A-Thon to raise awareness and money.The money is all for maintenance/upgrades to the NUSAR facilities and equipment. The training these folks undergo is not free, and neither is their gear, but they are vital to the safety of the community.

NUSAR was founded in 1989 and they are an all-volunteer organization that specializes in water rescues, and emergency response. That is over-simplifying what they do but trust me when I tell you, we want this unit to thrive. If we are counting on their help, the situation is dire. Their expertise can be the difference between life and death. Did I scare you enough? Good, that was the point.

You can help by attending this open event to see the team work, and make a donation while you're there. Or, you can sponsor a diver team before the event begins. For more information call Assistant Chief Dr. Mike Cassetta at (203)270-4390 or email info.nusar.org Keep in mind, if you sponsor a diver they'll give you a shout-out in the program book.

Like David Puddy says, "you gotta support the team."

P.S. I backed off of the swimming challenge. I told them no, I can no longer swim underwater thanks to a burst ear drum, that never seems to heal right. I also can't ski or play basketball because of my knees. The three activities I love, swimming, skiing and basketball are out because my body is failing me at 43.