SP Community Center Dog Paddles for Funds

The  and their canine friends will be dog paddling for new boilers.

The center will host a “Doggie Swim-A-Thon” on Friday evening with proceeds benefiting new boilers for their two indoor pools.

“On Friday at 2 p.m. we are going to ask everyone to leave the pool and then we are going to take out all the chemicals to neutralize the water,” said Marion Wear, assistant executive director of the Severna Park Community Center. “We are draining the pool to clean and make repairs so we thought why not let the dogs swim.”

Wear said they don’t usually drain the main pool completely every year because it is so much water, but they need to this year to make repairs. Since they were emptying all the water, they decided to let local pups take a dip.

“A dog lover suggested it,” Wear said. “They said if you have to drain the pool anyway why not turn it into a fundraiser?”

For $50 you can register your dog for the swim-a-thon, and then on Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. your dog can doggie paddle until his or her heart is content.

“We even have these old stairs we are going to pull out so the dogs can easily walk in and out of the water,” Wear said. “And the lifeguards talked about getting a small boat or kayak and using it in the water to be with the dogs.”

If you don’t have a dog that would like to swim, but would still like to be a part of the adorable action—spectators can come and watch for $5 per person. They are also accepting sponsorships for $50.

Proceeds from the “Doggie Swim-A-Thon” are being used to replace the pool’s boiler. Wear said they currently have three boilers, which are used to heat the main pool and the therapy pool.

“We currently have three boilers and two are completely gone and the other one is limping along. They need to be replaced,” Wear said.

Wear said that no dog will be forced into the water, and they are welcome to swim as much or as little as they want. They currently have 11 to 12 dogs registered and are accepting up to 24 dogs.

“We’re always looking for different ways to raise funds that are fun, family friendly and unique,” Wear said. “I think [the swim-a-thon] is just that.”

To register for the “Doggie Swim-A-Thon,” visit the community center's website or call 410-647-5843.

Planning on taking your dog to the event? Send pictures to kaitlyn.carr@patch.com or add them directly to Severna Park Patch by clicking on "Upload Photos and Videos."