You’ve probably swum across a narrow trench before. Some people swam from one side of a river to the other…in the same country. Most of us have swum in lakes, ponds, and swimming pools. But swimming from one country to the other? Who has heard of such a thing?
Natasha Smith Did It!
During one of her trips to the Rupununi, well-known journalist Natasha Smith, who is currently attached to the Government’s Department of Public Information, swam from Guyana to Brazil, right across the Takutu River!
OK, I admit, the headline was a bit creative. The river isn’t that broad…probably about 50 meters from one side to the other? And swimming across it is something that most good swimmers can do. You can even walk across the Takutu River which separates Guyana from Brazil during the dry season. However, this act of swimming across the Takutu River from Guyana to Brazil highlights some fun and interesting facts, as follows:
Guyana shares a long, porous, and poorly monitored border with Brazil.
Citizens of the border towns on both countries cross freely and regularly.
Swimming is a great exercise.
In an interview with this publication, Natasha Smith related that she was at the time visiting the Ariwa Beach Resort managed by Mr. Jonathan Joseph when she and her husband decided to “jump into the water and swim.” Natasha says that having been born in the Pomeroon, which is replete with waterways, made her a strong swimmer. She says she plans to go back when the water is higher and do it again!
Enjoy this Magnificent Video of Trans-National Swimming
