The Miami Herald, Inc.; Thursday, February 20, 1997
Jose Cassola; Herald Writer

TEXT: Normally, it is a swimmer's goal to go as far as possible. On April 5, swimmers on Miami Beach have another goal.

Swimmers from around the world are gathering to raise funds for a special cause. The International Swim for Life, a fund-raising organization established in 1988, is presenting the First Annual Miami Beach Swim for Life at noon April 5 at the 12th Street Beach, off Ocean Drive.

The event is a one-mile swim intended to raise money for the South Beach AIDS Project and the Breast Health Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

"I think this will be a successful event," said director Mark Finnen. "The number of swimmers who participate is just amazing."

In the past nine years, Swim for Life, based in Provincetown, Mass., has raised more than $350,000 for several AIDS and breast cancer organizations. Finnen thought it was about time that the same be done on Miami Beach.

"We're trying to involve as many places as possible, and Miami Beach just seems to be the perfect spot," Finnen said.

One of the reasons he selected the Beach was because of the high rate of people infected with HIV and AIDS. Sociologist William Darrow offered these statistics:

Seventy-two percent of gay men between 18 and 29 who live in South Beach have engaged in unprotected sex; one out of six of those men are infected with the HIV virus. Seventy-eight percent of gay men, age 30 and older, have also engaged in unprotected sex; two out of five are infected. Darrow's numbers are based on a study conducted last year by students from Florida International University.

"The results are shocking," Darrow said. "It's surprising how careless people can be."

Several other cities have hosted the event, including Baltimore, Amsterdam and Berlin. Among those places scheduled for swims later this year are San Diego, London and Romania.

Registration is scheduled for 10 a.m., two hours prior to the swim. Each swimmer is expected to pledge at least $75. An award luncheon will be held afterward.

"This organization is extremely supportive of AIDS and cancer treatment," said Randy Jensen, educational director of the South Beach AIDS Project. "Not only are they demonstrating how much they like to swim, but they are also helping contribute to two worthy causes."

Organizers are inviting everyone to attend the event, including those swimmers who are physically challenged and people who want to learn to swim.

TO SWIM FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 534-9428. THE MIAMI BEACH SWIM FOR LIFE ALSO NEEDS SPONSORS. CALL 532-1033 OR 789-0235.

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