Roy Webster swimmers span globe

Nearly 500 swimmers rose early on Labor Day just so they could take a plunge into the chilly waters of the Columbia during the 64th annual Roy Webster Cross-Channel Labor Day Swim.

Swimmers came from as far away as Italy to take part in the swim, which also featured swimmers from New York, Florida, Washington D.C, and other points across the nation.

Several families also entered the events, and a few companies entered teams of 16 people to take part. While the swimmers made their way across the river, a flotilla of boats stood by to help any that got in trouble. Only a few needed to be plucked from the water, but several swimmers needed directions to avoid making a long swim up the river. Once they emerged from the water, the swimmers were treated to a piece of fresh fruit and given a warm room to change in the Best Western Hood River Inn.