In the summer of 2018, the Across the Lake Swim will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, organizers are putting out the call for people to send along historical photos, stories or any other information on the annual swim in Kelowna.
First held in 1949, the Across the Lake Swim is the longest running open water event of its kind in Canada.
ѻýWe really donѻýt have any information about the inaugural swim, but can assume the number of participants would be very few, probably less than 20 swimmers,ѻý says Peter Rudd, Race Director.
Rudd said 1,500 swimmers are expected for the 2.1 kilometres trek across Okanagan Lake on July 14, 2018.
ѻýThe Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim is part of Kelowna history and itѻýs a story we want to tell as part of our 70th celebrations in 2018.
ѻýVery few Canadian events have this kind of longevity and success,ѻý Rudd added. ѻýWe now draw visitors from around the world to swim across Okanagan Lake. Itѻýs something Kelowna should be proud of.ѻý
Thatѻýs how members of the public with a knowledge of past swims can be helpful.
ѻýWeѻýre asking people to send historical photos, stories, articles, or pictures of past awards of our event or related lake activitiesѻý says Alexis MacMillan, Media volunteer for the swim. ѻýWe would also love to talk to swimmers, or their family members, who were a part of earlier swims.ѻý
Send stories, articles, and photos to: media@acrossthelakeswim.com
Registration is open: Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Kelowna 70th event on July 14, 2018