Swimming

Steve McKenzie, Lynda Jones Layng and Lisa Spalding have been braving the cold waters of Okanagan Lake every morning. (Brennan Phillips - Western News)

Near freezing temperatures won’t keep these South Okanagan swimmers out of the lake

The trio of swimmers have been swimming in Okanagan Lake since the community centre pool closed

 

The Vernon Aquatic Centre will be closed for its annual three-week maintenance period from Aug. 26 to Sept. 16. (City of Vernon - photo)

Chlorine leak closes North Okanagan pool

18 swimmers evacuated, pool opens shortly after

 

Group founder and event organizer Michele Rauter (left) chats with two of eight other brave individuals who took part in the Lake Country BC - Lake Plunge! group’s first dip into the frigid waters of Wood Lake at Oyama Sunday, Nov. 8. (Roger Knox - Black Press)

Okanagan lake swim group plunges ahead

Nine brave souls meet for first Wood Lake dip of Lake Country BC - Lake Plunge! group

 

Six Mile Beach outside Nelson is known for its perfect sand, clear water and unique sand spit. But the drowning death of a man in July has residents asking if the dangerous spot has become too popular. Photo: David Grantham/Kootenay Drone Services

Dangerous oasis: The fatal history of a popular Kootenay Lake beach

Six Mile Beach near Nelson is known for its unique sand spit. But locals have feared it for decades

Six Mile Beach outside Nelson is known for its perfect sand, clear water and unique sand spit. But the drowning death of a man in July has residents asking if the dangerous spot has become too popular. Photo: David Grantham/Kootenay Drone Services
Bowers reaching the north end of the lake. Photo: Aerin Bowers

Rossland resident Aerin Bowers completes 19-km swim along Christina Lake

Bowers said her dad inspired her to complete the epic adventure

Bowers reaching the north end of the lake. Photo: Aerin Bowers
Ida Jenss and Lily Nay swam across Kootenay Lake near Kaslo on Thursday. Photos: Tyler Harper

Lily and the lake: How a young B.C. girl with Down syndrome swam to her dream

Kaslo’s Lily Nay set her mind to swimming Kootenay Lake on Sept. 3

Ida Jenss and Lily Nay swam across Kootenay Lake near Kaslo on Thursday. Photos: Tyler Harper
Kelowna’s Nick Pelletier had his attempt to swim 106 kilometres from Vernon to Penticton cut short due to medical reasons, but he nearly doubled his fundraising goal towards BrainTrust Canada’s Youth Concussion Clinic. (Nickpelletier.ca)

Kelowna athlete’s 106-km swim cut short, but funds finish strong

Nick Pelletier set out to traverse full length of Okanagan Lake in support of Youth Concussion Clinic

Kelowna’s Nick Pelletier had his attempt to swim 106 kilometres from Vernon to Penticton cut short due to medical reasons, but he nearly doubled his fundraising goal towards BrainTrust Canada’s Youth Concussion Clinic. (Nickpelletier.ca)
A swimming advisory is in effect for Kelowna’s Rotary Beach. (Google Maps Image)

Swimming Advisory in place for Kelowna’s Rotary Beach

Bacteria counts in the water have led to the advisory.

A swimming advisory is in effect for Kelowna’s Rotary Beach. (Google Maps Image)
An RCMP boat on Okanagan Lake near Tugboat Beach in downtown Kelowna on Aug. 17, 2020. (Michael Rodriguez - Capital News)

Body of 29-year-old man recovered from Okanagan Lake

The man is presumed to have drown while swimming at Tug Boat Beach in Kelowna

An RCMP boat on Okanagan Lake near Tugboat Beach in downtown Kelowna on Aug. 17, 2020. (Michael Rodriguez - Capital News)
Drowning incidents increase in Okanagan as summer picks up

Drowning incidents increase in Okanagan as summer picks up

There are now 23 drownings in the province to date, with four from the Okanagan

Drowning incidents increase in Okanagan as summer picks up
The Vernon Aquatic Centre remains closed until October. (City of Vernon - photo)

North Okanagan pool remains closed until October

Upgrades and maintenance taking place while rec centre is shut down due to COVID-19

The Vernon Aquatic Centre remains closed until October. (City of Vernon - photo)
Emergency crews were called for reports of a drowning incident in West Kelowna. (Dave Ogilvie)

Lifesaving Society urges caution after two drownings in Central Okanagan

The warning comes after a drowning incident on July 9

Emergency crews were called for reports of a drowning incident in West Kelowna. (Dave Ogilvie)
Loaner children’s lifejackets are available at 14 locations around the Shuswap. (Contributed)

Life-jacket Day a chance to reflect on boating safety

101 Canadians die each year in boating-related accidents; improper lifejacket use is a factor

Loaner children’s lifejackets are available at 14 locations around the Shuswap. (Contributed)
Until further notice, Greater Vernon Recreation Services has shut down the Vernon Aquatic Centre’s hot tub, steam room and sauna. The pools and weight room remain open. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

Okanagan aquatic centre shuts down hot spots; pools, weight room still open

The Vernon Aquatic Centre’s hot tub, steam room and sauna have been closed due to COVID-19

Until further notice, Greater Vernon Recreation Services has shut down the Vernon Aquatic Centre’s hot tub, steam room and sauna. The pools and weight room remain open. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)
ORCA SWIMMERS Members of the Summerland Orca Swim Club, with coach Delano Ducheck, were in Vancouver for the Swim B.C. Age Group Provincial Championships in Vancouver. (Contributed)

Summerland Orca swimmers earn provincial medals

Eight swimmers qualified for provincial championships

ORCA SWIMMERS Members of the Summerland Orca Swim Club, with coach Delano Ducheck, were in Vancouver for the Swim B.C. Age Group Provincial Championships in Vancouver. (Contributed)
A few Kelowna Aquajets who swam to medals at the KAJ’s second home regional meet in late January. (Contributed)

Kelowna Aquajets swim to 1st place finish at Snowfest meet

Over 115 Aquajets represented the club at the first long course meet of the season

A few Kelowna Aquajets who swam to medals at the KAJ’s second home regional meet in late January. (Contributed)
North Okanagan swim club ends 2019 with 6 club records in Kamloops

North Okanagan swim club ends 2019 with 6 club records in Kamloops

Three swimmers set new club benchmarks at MJB Law Ice Classic, Dec. 13-15

North Okanagan swim club ends 2019 with 6 club records in Kamloops
Justin Mitchell, in a photo with young athletes from 2016, has been banned from coaching in any Water Polo Canada-sanctioned event following accusations of bullying and sexual harassment. (Black Press Media files)

B.C. youth coach banned amid sexual harassment, bullying scandal: Water Polo Canada

Justin Mitchell can’t take part in Water Polo Canada events or clubs

Justin Mitchell, in a photo with young athletes from 2016, has been banned from coaching in any Water Polo Canada-sanctioned event following accusations of bullying and sexual harassment. (Black Press Media files)
Molly Hill, with the Kelowna Aquajets, will swim for the New Mexico State Aggies starting next fall. (Photo: Steve Cawley)

Kelowna Aquajet Molly Hill swimming south

Hill will attend New Mexico State University on a full scholarship

Molly Hill, with the Kelowna Aquajets, will swim for the New Mexico State Aggies starting next fall. (Photo: Steve Cawley)