The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) encourages swimmers 12 years of age and older to join in its 15th Annual Swim-A-Cross on Friday Aug. 20 at Centre Island Beach in Bayville. The Swim-A-Cross is a one-mile swim across Oyster Bay Harbor. All proceeds will benefit local ARC/Nassau Services, including disaster relief and lifesaving programs in health and safety.

Check-in is at noon at Centre Island Beach. ARC/Nassau encourages spectators to come and cheer on the swimmers. There is no time limit to finish the swim, just swimming for a good cause. Participants must have a strong swimming background and must be able to swim a mile in a pool. A cooling station sponsored by the Kevin Scott Dalrymple Foundation will supply all participants and spectators with a shaded and cooled place to enjoy the summer day. Refreshments will also be available for all participants.

ARC/Nassau teaches people to save lives every day. Through Emergency Services and Health and Safety, this chapter educates thousands of people each year to save a life. Another responsibility of the American Red Cross is its mission to support the United States military and their families both in times of war and peace through its Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) program. It serves as a critical communication link between members of the military deployed anywhere in the world and their loved ones. Over 200 swimmers will cross Oyster Bay Harbor on Aug. 20. This year many will be swimming in support of My Hero. This is a person in the swimmer's life who has greatly impacted their life as a hero often does. A teacher, police officer, firefighter, US Service member, parent, family member, community leader, etc.

The pre-registration fee is $25 and day of registration is $35 at the beach. Raise $50 in sponsorships and receive a Swim-A-Cross T-shirt. Other prizes are available for sponsorships of more than $50. Sign up now and start to get sponsors. For registration information, call ARC/Nassau at 747-3500, ext. 215 or download a registration form from www.NassauRedCross.org. The Red Cross receives no government support and relies solely on the community for support, so get in the swim of things and sign up today!

ARC/Nassau is a not-for-profit humanitarian service organization that is not a government agency and relies on the generous donations of others. ARC/Nassau provides emergency assistance to victims of disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, winter storms, floods and man-made disasters; safety-related courses, including CPR, First Aid and Aquatics; Holocaust and war victims tracing; and service to military families, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, counseling and leave requests. To make a financial contribution, take a safety course, volunteer or request more information, call 747-3500, or visit www.NassauRedCross.org. ARC/Nassau is located at 195 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.