Cardboard boats still raced across the pool at the Eighth Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta on Labor Day at the Ridley Park Swim Club.

This, despite a shortened 2020 coronavirus swim season, writes Tom Gralish for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“The kids look forward to this every year. And so do their parents,” said pool board member Nick Crocetto, who acted as “race master.”

The boats must be made of cardboard and fasteners, no staples. Glue and paint must be water-based. Any paddle can be used, but only one per person.

Chuck Bailey built an unsinkable boat christened “Best Buddies” for his six-year-old son Anthony and his friend Lliam Pidgeon, 4.

Eight rolls of duct tape and outriggers were used this year to avoid a repeat of five years ago when older son Jake’s boat capsized.

Community pools opened late on June 5, because of public swimming restrictions imposed by Gov. Tom Wolf to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Even so, about 300 families still managed to join this summer, Crocetto said. Usually it’s close to capacity at 400 families.

The private swim club has been operating for more than 60 years in the valley of Little Crum Creek.

Read more about this annual Regatta here.

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