Man rides wave of unwanted attention
Published Wednesday October 28th, 2009
A man who decided to swim across the St. John River on Tuesday raised alarm bells for rescuers who received a telephone call from a concerned citizen worried that the man was in distress.
But it turns out he was just trying to get into shape for a California vacation that will include surfing.
The man, annoyed by the public attention, shrugged off requests to chat with The Daily Gleaner after he emerged from the river in a wetsuit.
He hauled his surfboard up onto the floating docks behind the Fredericton Small Craft Aquatic Centre near the Smythe Street and Woodstock Road intersection.
Two police officers greeted him by the dock and suggested that if he wants to swim in the chilly waters of the river in the future, a courtesy call to police would be in order.
No charges were warranted since he hadn't broken any laws, said police force spokesman Cpl. Randy Reilly on Tuesday.
Firefighters launched their rescue boat, but the adult male swam from the Cityview Avenue area on the north side back to the south side under his own steam.
The unidentified man loaded his surfboard and took off after a crowd of onlookers had gathered at the shoreline on the south side of the riverbank to watch his progress.
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Try surf city
100 kms south