The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) encourages swimmers 12 years of age and older to join in its 17th Annual Swim-A-Cross on Friday, Aug. 11, 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 and the swim begins at 1 p.m. 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. All spectators and swimmers are provided with refreshments.

This year, the American Red Cross in Nassau County honors the All-American Hero. Participants are encouraged to swim in honor of an individual that they consider to be heroic. All-American Heroes may be fighters, role models, soldiers, guardians, community activists, an unsung champion, or any individual who turned compassion into action.

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.