To promote wellness, on Saturday, September 13, Dr. Ben Boucher of The
Wellness Centre swam the Straight of Canso from Auld's Cove (near the scale
house) to the Causeway Canal and back again. With onlookers by the shore and
many heads turning from passing motorists, this swim was accomplished
between 2 pm-3:30 pm.

Dr. Ben uses a wet suit, jet fins, "otter paws", and a mask/snorkel to make the
distance swim safe, warm, and fast. "Maybe it's cheating but when you're
pushing 60, it all helps. I feel I could do it many more years "he said. "It's a
unique way to swim, low energy consumption but great exercise for anyone that
enjoys swimming".

Dr. Ben has done several other long distance swims in the past. He swam from
Margaree Island to the shore three times in the mid 1980's; he also swam from
Henry Island (off Port Hood) to shore on two occasions (2001, 2002). Although
he has no plans to cross the English Channel anytime soon, he does plan to
keep challenging himself and others to safely swim in unconventional waters.
"Doing the otter"