Not-for-profit swim club Swim Wild Squamish is hosting its third annual charitable swim this Saturday at Alice Lake Provincial Park.
The “To the Rock” swim-a-thon aims to raise $2,000, and for swimmers to swim a cumulative distance of 50 kilometres, according to the Swim Wild Squamish website.
Swim Wild Squamish member Katie Coombs explained that swimmers will head straight across the lake, which is about 350 metres. Their distances will be measured by counting the rocks they place in jars when they reach each side.
"For myself, I have a goal of seven kilometres,” Coombs said.
“We're hoping we can get over 10 people out. I believe last year, the most people we had in the lake was about 16 or 17, so if we could get more than that this year, that would be fantastic.”
According to Environment Canada, the weather will be pleasant for a swim. There will be sun and cloud for the event, with a high of 23 C.
Coombs said Swim Wild will be accepting donations at the lake via cash or a QR code, or online to Sea to Sky Hospice, adding that $1,100 has been raised at this time.
Coombs said what inspired her to begin these charitable swims three years ago, was the loss of a friend.
“My best friend passed away from cancer three years ago; I had no idea how important hospice care was until I was with her in hospice, in those final days. It takes such a special person to work in a hospice,” Coombs said.
“[Hospice care is important] not only for the patient, but also for the family members who all rely on donations. If there are no donations, then things can't happen. The Sea to Sky Hospice runs group sessions [and] they provide counselling. You don't have to pay for any of it.”
Regarding safety measures, Coombs said that there will always be someone at the beach.
Swimmers can bring their own inflatables, if desired.
She added that there is a sign-in and sign-out system to account for swimmers in the water.
Coombs said everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are a swimmer or a supporter, though participants must sign an online waiver before entering the water.
The Swim Wild Squamish swim-a-thon was originally supposed to take place June 14, according to Coombs, but it was postponed due to the Dryden Creek wildfire.
The event will take place Saturday, July 5, at Alice Lake from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can donate via QR code and see the event details on the Swim Wild Squamish website.
Donations by card can also be made via the Swim Wild Squamish campaign page.
*Please note that this story was updated after it was first posted to clarify the safety measures.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter.
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
