Team Rivard is an incredible family including Vera and Margaret Rivard and their parents Darcie and Kevin Rivard, that have been able to compete so much with the support of each other and the community around them. Vera and Margaret have completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming and continue to push the boundaries while having the support of the rest of the team. They were inducted into the Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame in 2020 and in 2024 completed a record break 50 mile tandem swim on Lake Memphremagog. They are excited to continue supporting the open water swimming community.

Darcie DeBlois- Rivard

Darcie DeBlois-Rivard (AKA Coach Mom) is the coach of Team Rivard and a dedicated crew member and kayaker in open water swimming. Darcie has played a crucial role in her daughters' achievements by kayaking and crewing alongside them during training and long swims. She has crewed every event they have achieved. Darcie's unwavering support has been instrumental in enabling Vera and Margaret to pursue and realize each of their open water swimming dreams.

Margaret Rivard

When it comes to open water swimming, Margaret Rivard is a force to be reckoned with! A proud member of Team Rivard—alongside Darcie, Kevin, and Vera Rivard—Margaret has carved out an extraordinary legacy in the sport. She was rightfully inducted into the Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame (Class of 2020), and her accomplishments continue to inspire swimmers worldwide! From tackling frigid winter waters to crushing ultra-marathon distances, Margaret thrives in every challenge she takes on. At just 17 years old, she completed an 80.4 km cross-border tandem swim with her sister Vera Rivard, across Lake Memphremagog in an astounding 35 hours, 34 minutes—a feat of sheer endurance and determination. Her marathon swim highlights include: In Search of Memphre (2022) – 25 miles across Lake Memphremagog, Catalina Channel Crossing (2021) – in 14 hours, 8 minutes, 31 seconds setting the record as the youngest female at 14 years old, English Channel 13 Hours , 37 minutes (2023), Around Manhattan Island (2022). Margaret doesn’t just push limits—she shatters them. Whether braving the icy waters of the Memphremagog Winter Swim Festival or dominating long-distance swims, she embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience. 

Vera Rivard

Vera Rivard, a proud member of Team Rivard—alongside Darcie, Kevin, and Margaret Rivard- a true powerhouse in the world of open water and ice swimming. Vera continues to inspire with her relentless dedication, remarkable achievements, and unwavering spirit in the water. From an early age, Vera made waves in the open water swimming community. At just 10 years old, she completed the 1-mile Kingdom Swim and went on to finish multiple long-distance swims, steadily building a legacy that has earned her recognition as one of the most adventurous open water swimmers in the world. Her accomplishments include an English Channel crossing, a Catalina Channel swim, and the prestigious Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, achieved by the age of 17. In 2024, Vera (20) and her sister, Margaret Rivard (17), completed an astonishing 80.4 km cross-border tandem swim across Lake Memphremagog in 35 hours and 34 minutes, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Beyond open water, Vera has also made her mark in the extreme discipline of ice swimming. She has completed two Ice Miles and an Ice Kilometer in world championship competition, an extraordinary feat that places her among the toughest athletes in the sport.