New Lifetime Members

The SBCSA’s two newest lifetime members are Natalie Merrow and Bart Bleuel.

Natalie began swimming at the age of 2 and competed on swim teams her entire childhood. Natalie was a teenager when she discovered the ocean through Jr. Lifeguard swim events. Since then, her love of open water has grown. Natalie was inspired by Lynne Cox to attempt a marathon swim and completed a solo crossing of the Catalina Channel in 2010. Since then, she has moved to South Orange County and has been a dedicated member of the Oak Street swim group in Laguna Beach.

Bart became interested in ocean swimming 18 years ago when friends talked him into doing the Gatorman. He enjoyed the swim so much that he did the following 13, plus several other local ocean swims. He has been swimming with the long slow distance group (“LSD Swimmers”) in the Pierpont Bay ever since. He is currently a member of the Ventura County Master’s program. Bart is a recently retired attorney who has been married to wife Michelle for 47 years. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren who they babysit regularly. When Bart isn’t swimming or babysitting, he spends his time supporting various charities.

The SBCSA thanks Natalie and Bart for their generous contributions and looks forward to their 2015 SBCSA attempts.

To join as a Lifetime Member of the SBCSA, please fill out the form on our website.