HARRISBURG, Pa. – Louise Hyder-Darlington started long-distance, open-water swimming in 2013. Four years later, Hyder-Darlington, a cataloging specialist at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, is swimming the English Channel to benefit HACC students.
 
“Swimming the English Channel, the Everest of open-water swims, will require amazing physical endurance, stamina, strength and incredible mental endurance,” said Hyder-Darlington, 57, who is part of a six-person relay team.
 
The open swim starts in Dover, England, and ends in Calais, France. The relay team will swim at least 21 miles from July 29-Aug. 5, 2017, to complete the English Channel. The length of the swim depends on the conditions of the water and each swimmer’s physical condition. To train for this type of swim, Hyder-Darlington must train in waters that prepare her for cold-water temperatures (55 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit), tide changes, jellyfish and boats passing through the Channel. 
 
It also will require support from her family and friends, the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF) and a safety-boat pilot.
 
The HACC advocate will be raising money for the Emergency Assistance Fund of the HACC Foundation. These funds are available to assist HACC students who are facing financial emergencies and unexpected financial burdens.
 
“When I think of the challenge that lies ahead, I tell myself not to give up. HACC students face a similar challenge. College is a challenge that requires physical and mental endurance, stamina and strength along with institutional and social support. HACC students, many of whom are first within their families to attend college, face barriers to success. They have jobs, families and community obligations in addition to school. Fortunately, like me, they are always surrounded by ‘safety boats,’ but they need help to keep these safety boats afloat. When our students feel like they are drowning, supporters can help pull them to safety,” she said.
 
This swim is preparing her to swim the English Channel solo in August 2018. From July 2017-July 2018, she is prepared to swim 1,295 miles. In July and August 2017 alone, she will swim 150 miles as part of her preparation.
 
For every mile Hyder-Darlington swims in July and August 2017, individuals are encouraged to give $2 or more to the Emergency Assistance Fund.
 
To support Hyder-Darlington, please go online and follow her on social media with #Swim4HACC.

Editor’s Note: Louise Hyder-Darlington leaves July 25 for the open swim. However, she is available for interviews prior to this date.

About HACC 
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers over 120 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.

About the HACC Foundation 
The HACC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1985 to raise private and corporate revenues in support of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. The HACC Foundation provides funding for student scholarships, innovative academic programs, state-of-the art training equipment and modernized facilities. To learn more about the HACC Foundation, please visit haccfoundation.org