About the Swim

ATLS Ribbon won by Joanne Ritchie in 1972

The Across The Lake Swim began in 1949 and is the longest running annual open water race in British Columbia. It is also the last event left from the early Kelowna Regatta. The Kelowna Masters Swim Club took over the administration of the Swim Across The Lake from the City of Kelowna in 1986. Back then, the race started at 6pm on a Friday and ended in City Park which was fenced off as part of the 3 day Regatta. Swimmers, however, gained free entry into the Regatta! After the riots in 1987 and 1988, the Kelowna Regatta was canceled and the race was moved to Saturday morning. An accompanying canoe was mandatory and the race became part of the BC Open Water Swim Race Series – which folded shortly thereafter.

The fastest time for a male swimmer for the Across The Lake Swim is Roland Bauhart at 20:49, in 1997. The fastest time for a female swimmer for the Across The Lake Swim is Jeanne Carlson at 23:03, in 2011.

The Across the Lake Swim has been gaining popularity every year and is getting more international attention.

Do you know any history about the swim?

Unfortunately the details of the early history of the Across the Lake Swim are little known and we are looking for any tidbits of information that can help us piece together this incredible race. If you have any information such as pictures, newsclips, or if you even swam or watched it years ago, please contact us as we would love to hear from you.