Peirsol dedicates time, money to saving oceans

Newport Harbor alum Aaron Peirsol is using his fame as a three-time swimming Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder to bring attention to a different kind of water, one with no chlorine.

Peirsol will be at the Port of Long Beach’s Green Port Fest Saturday to adress ocean pollution. He’s hoping to recruit advocates and raise awareness about saving the ocean.

Peirsol is a spokesman for Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated to advocationg for ocean conservation. He launched a fundraising campaign for the cause on his website, www.racefortheoceans.org.

So far, Peirsol’s site has raised $45 towards its $10,000 goal.

Peirsol, who won three gold medals, all for the backstroke, is advocating for the oceans as he prepares for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

— from staff reports