Humans as Aquatic Animals: Puget Sound as a Recreational Paradise
Presentation Abstract
Outside the realm of scientists, environmentalists, and activists, a surprising but dynamic group of individuals is equally invested in the health of the Salish Sea. This group of “aquatic animals” puts our bodies where our beliefs are by swimming in Puget Sound. Our group includes elite swimmers who have crossed the Straight of San Juan de Fuca as well as "weekend warriors" who swim along Alki Beach year-round, many without wetsuits. Because of our passion for our sport, we partner with community groups, learn from cutting-edge science, and advocate for the health of Puget Sound. We comprise the “total immersion” piece of the advocacy puzzle. This unique, 12-minute overview highlights how a successful small business has revived the sport of open-water swimming in Puget Sound and how this supports essential environmental action. As a result of the session, the audience will: • Discover the explosion of swim races and other events in the Salish Sea, from Canada and the US; • Creatively imagine how to leverage the recreational use of Puget Sound into educational messages; • Brainstorm ways to partner with and exploit the burgeoning business of open-water swimming in the Salish Sea.
Session Title
Session S-05I: Education, Communication, and Citizen Science
Conference Track
Citizens/Education
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
1-5-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 6:30 PM
Location
Room 6C
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Swimmers--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Long distance swimming--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Environmental health--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Humans as Aquatic Animals: Puget Sound as a Recreational Paradise
Room 6C
Outside the realm of scientists, environmentalists, and activists, a surprising but dynamic group of individuals is equally invested in the health of the Salish Sea. This group of “aquatic animals” puts our bodies where our beliefs are by swimming in Puget Sound. Our group includes elite swimmers who have crossed the Straight of San Juan de Fuca as well as "weekend warriors" who swim along Alki Beach year-round, many without wetsuits. Because of our passion for our sport, we partner with community groups, learn from cutting-edge science, and advocate for the health of Puget Sound. We comprise the “total immersion” piece of the advocacy puzzle. This unique, 12-minute overview highlights how a successful small business has revived the sport of open-water swimming in Puget Sound and how this supports essential environmental action. As a result of the session, the audience will: • Discover the explosion of swim races and other events in the Salish Sea, from Canada and the US; • Creatively imagine how to leverage the recreational use of Puget Sound into educational messages; • Brainstorm ways to partner with and exploit the burgeoning business of open-water swimming in the Salish Sea.
