Local Firefighter to Tread Water for 24 Hours for Charity

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue Firefighter, Brett Bergeron, is planning to tread water for 24 hours to raise money for the Greater Northwest Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The attempt will be made at the Snohomish Aquatic Center in Snohomish, beginning at 10am on Sunday September 1st to 10am on Monday the 2nd.

Brett’s wife, Kristen, has multiple sclerosis. She was a first grade teacher before MS forced her to leave the classroom.

Brett has been a Firefighter/Paramedic with Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue since 2001 and is a member of the department’s water rescue team. With a background in competitive swimming and water polo, doing a water-related physical challenge in order to raise money for MS seemed like an obvious choice.

“I realize treading water for 24-hours sounds like a crazy idea,” says Brett. “A couple of my fellow firefighters did a similar challenge 15 years ago for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and spent 24 hours on a Stairmaster.

Personally, I think THAT sounds insane. I’ve done a few 8 hour sessions in preparation, and although they weren’t too bad I know 24 hours will be tough. In the end, I think it will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one, but with the support of my family, friends, and fellow firefighters I know I can do it.”

Brett will take “nature breaks” every two hours or so, but for the rest of the time he will be treading water in the deeper competition pool. Since the water is fairly cool (79-degrees), he will be wearing a swimsuit with a short sleeve rash guard shirt as well.

The Snohomish Aquatic Center is located at 516 Maple Avenue in Snohomish. The Aquatic Center is open to the public until 7pm on Sunday night, and reopens at 5:30am Monday morning. There is no charge for visitors to the event, just check in at the front desk upon arrival.

A livestream can be found here.

Donations can be made here.

9/2 UPDATE: Brett did it! He took less breaks than expected and was supported by family, friends, and other firefighters throughout the 24 hours (some even treading water with him at times).