Sarah Dobbin bravely embarked on a challenging swim in the Ottawa River, setting out to cover a distance of 50 kilometers in a single day. Despite never having attempted such a feat before, she exuded confidence, stating her belief that she could swim all day. Dobbin’s determination led her to dive into the river near Parliament Hill early one Thursday morning.
After an arduous journey lasting fifteen hours, Dobbin successfully completed her swim in Wendover, Ontario, just beyond Rockland. She maintained a steady pace of approximately 3 km/h, taking brief stops every 35 minutes to refuel and re-energize. Upon reaching the shore unassisted, Dobbin expressed a mix of exhaustion and elation.
Prior to her arrival, spectators were reminded to maintain a safe distance as per the regulations of the Marathon Swimmers Federation, which Dobbin adhered to for an officially documented swim in the Ottawa River. Throughout her swim, Dobbin refrained from touching the accompanying boat and did not wear a wetsuit.
The triumphant swimmer was met by her mother, Kathy, upon finishing the challenging feat. Kathy expressed pride in her daughter’s dedication and hard work. Dobbin’s endeavor also aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Ottawa Riverkeeper organization, highlighting the importance of protecting the river ecosystem.
Residents of Wendover, where Dobbin completed her swim, hailed her accomplishment as a significant event for the community. Local residents, like Nathalie Tougas and her son Jonathan, recognized the magnitude of Dobbin’s achievement and the positive impact it had on the area. Dobbin credited the mental fortitude required to push through moments of doubt as the toughest aspect of the swim, emphasizing the support she received from strangers along the way as a crucial motivator.