Want to do Gatorman...but it freaks me out.....

I've been wanting to do Gatorman for a few years now. I've swum in the Cove a few times, mostly to the Shores and back. I've also done a 2 mile pier to pier swim the last 4 years, anywhere from :51 to 1:05, and a 2.4 miler in :59 (wetsuit, fresh water). For some reason Gatorman really freaks me out.... Maybe because it doesn't really follow the shoreline and feels like open ocean? I think I do plently of training (9-12K /week including OWS) and could make the cutoff. I had an incident in a 2.4 mile swim in 2008 where I had severe vertigo an had to be pulled out of the water. Docs and I are convinced it was from pre race supplements that I don't do anymore, and I took to wearing earplugs. I've since been in MUCH rougher seas, and never had another issue, but I still think about that, and get freaked out about being alone. I know I can use a paddler, but don't know if it's necessary, or where to find one. Are there guards along the whole route or only at the start/finish? Other swims don't make me this nervous, I have no idea why the Gatorman makes me feel this way. Something about being out there in the middle of the Cove all alone gives me the jeebies. ETA - forgot, I've also done alcatraz twice, which would seem to be more intimidating Can anyone allay my fears?