Theroux Backstrokes to Block Island

Trent Theoroux  of Barrington did it, according to the Providence Journal. He did it despite ocean swells of up to 6 feet kicked up by Hurricane Leslie.

Theroux backstroked all the way to Block Island from Port Judith on Saturday, Sept. 8, on the anniversary of an accident in Narragansett Bay 10 years ago that almost took his life and left him unable to walk for many months.  See the Patch story in advance of his effort. His swim is believed to be the first time anyone had swum to Block Island on their back.

Theroux’s “Back to Block” swim raised money for the nonprofit – RISE to Paralysis – that supports victims of spinal cord injuries. He swam on his back for 13 miles over 8½ hours. Two boats and kayakers who were part of his support crew, including a doctor, accompanied him. He was greeted at Block Island by a couple of hundred supporters, including Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island's Congressman from District 2, who has been in a wheelchair since a bullet paralyzed him.

See a short video by the Providence Journal of the start of Theroux’s swim at Port Judith Light.