WATCH: No bridge necessary for these hundreds of Okanagan swimmers

• Event raised money so kids can be ‘drown-proof’
• Far fewer attendees registered than pre-pandemic numbers
• Oldest participant in event’s history made sixth appearance

For most people, getting across Okanagan Lake involves the bridge.

But on Saturday morning, around 670 people took a different route.

The 74th edition of Interior Saving’s Across the Lake Swim returned after being delayed by the pandemic.

“I think it’s one of those things you put on your bucket list,” race director, national Kari Baranieski, told Kelowna10. “Fifty per cent of our swimmers are first time, across-lake swimmers. Every single year.

“So that’s a really good turnout of cool new people that want to try it.”

The 2.1 km swim from the Old Ferry Docks in West Kelowna, to Hot Sands Beach, is the largest and longest running open water swim event in Canada.

It started in 1949, and was once used as a rite of passage for local swim clubs, and was a major part in the Kelowna Regatta, according to their website.

Each swimmer had an electronic device strapped to them to keep track of their time.

To ensure the safety of the swimmers, lifeguards lined the route with boats, kayaks, and paddle boards. Search and rescue were also on hand, as well as first aid volunteers from Big White Ski Resort.

Not only is crossing the lake a personal challenge for many, but it also raises money to make the Okanagan ‘drown-proof.’

Money raised goes to the YMCA Okanagan Swims Program, offering free swim lessons for every third-grade student in district 23, over 1,400 from Peachland to Lake Country.

While Saturday’s turnout saw hundreds take part, Baranieski said that number is much less than it had drawn before.

“[In] 2019, there were over 1,300 swimmers, so we’re down about half,” she said. “But that’s okay, We’re happy with that. We just want to get back into it.”

Swimmers of various abilities took part. The youngest was reported to be six years old. Another woman swam while six months pregnant.

And then there was Conny Stamhuis, the oldest participant in the history of the event at 90 years old.

Saturday was her sixth time taking part.

“I’m so glad I could do this. But I did this for Doctor’s Without Borders. That’s why I swim,” she said. “I don’t need the fame, but I’m glad I did that.”

Stamhuis, who emigrated from the Netherlands at 20, began swimming at 65. She set a provincial record in the 90 to 94 age group for the 200-metre backstroke and placed first in the 50-metre breaststroke and 50-metre backstroke. She was inducted into the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

The retired nurse was offered the chance to to travel with Doctor’s Without Borders, but said circumstances prevented her. So, to celebrate her 90th birthday, her goal was to raise $10,000 for the organization.

“With the war in Ukraine and all the other tragic assaults against humanity, I feel stronger than ever that I need to make a contribution,” she said.

“Although I can’t join them at 90, I can still raise funds to support their efforts. I need and would appreciate all the help I can get to reach my goal.”

(In an update a few days after the event, Conny Stamhuis told Kelowna10 she had managed to raise $17,700 for the cause.)