Across the Lake Swim
Gellatly Bay
August 23rd, 2025
West Kelowna, bc, canada
- Details
- Sponsors
- Courses
- Schedule
- Package Pickup
- Updates
- FAQ
- Parking
- Results
- Photos
- Details
Details
We are excited to bring to you this swim in beautiful Gellatly Bay in West Kelowna, BC.
The swim features a choice of two distances, either 2.5KM or 5KM, in a stunning swimming area in Okanagan Lake, West Kelowna.
Gellatly Bay is an incredibly scenic swimming spot, with a wide pedestrian pathway that follows the swim route on the final legs.
Gear Dropoff: The gear tent is at Willow Beach. Just put your stuff in a bag and drop it off. We’ll tag and watch over it until you finish your swim!
Support Craft: If you have a support craft with you, please have them sign the waiver and you (or they) can bring it to package pickup or the morning of the swim. Download the waiver here.
Please note Swim Buddy inflatable personal floats are recommended for both swims. We will supply one for you n/c or you use your own.
- Sponsors
Sponsors
Official Goggle
Supporter
- Course
Course
2.5km:
5km:
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Aug 31 | 6:00 am | 6:45 am | Shuttle Leaves | Tim Horton's in the Westbank Shopping Centre |
| Sat, Aug 31 | 6:00 am | 6:45 am | Package Pickup | Willow Beach, West Kelowna |
| Sat, Aug 31 | 7:00 am | 5km Swim Start | Willow Beach, West Kelowna | |
| Sat, Aug 31 | 7:30 am | 2.5km Swim Start | Willow Beach, West Kelowna |
Times are subject to change.
Package Pickup
Event package pickup is in the morning before the swim from 6-6:45AM at the Start Line at Willow Beach in West Kelowna.
You will pick up your timing chip the morning of the swim when you pick up your package. You must place your timing chip on your ankle outside of your wetsuit.
Updates
Registration for 2024 is OPEN!
November 21, 2023We are excited to be back for 2024! After cancelling the swim in 2023 due to wildfires, we are looking forward to welcoming all 2023 swimmers back, as well as new swimmers looking to swim this beautiful course.
View2023 Gellatly Bay Swim Cancelled
August 22, 2023Due to the ongoing wildfires in the Okanagan region...
View
FAQ
Can support craft be dropped off early?
No, you can only drop off the support craft the morning of the swim (except for Kelowna).
Do I need to use a Swim Buddy?
The use of a Swim Buddy is recommended but not mandatory. The swim buddy device is simply a safety tool which makes swimmers much more visible in the water. This is important as swimmers can get quite spread apart and this allows our safety patrol and other boaters who are on the lake at the time a better chance to spot swimmers.
Are there change rooms and showers available for after the swim?
Yes and no. There are public washrooms at the Finish Line but no showers. There is an outdoor shower at the Kelowna finish line.
Is a Support Paddler required?
Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Kelowna a support paddler is not required.
Kal Lake: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Cultus Lake: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Gellatly Bay: Support paddlers are not required for either distance.
Skaha Lake: Support paddlers are required for the 11.8km distance, but not for the 4.5km distance.
Rattlesnake Island: Support paddlers are required for the 7km distance, but are not required for the 1.5km or 4km distances.
However, each junior swimmer (10 years & under) MUST be accompanied by a support craft if they are swimming alone and not accompanied by an adult swimmer.
What is the water temperature?
The water temperature averages 19-21C on swim day. In 2013 we had a very warm summer which resulted in a record 23C temp!
Is there food after the event?
Yes, there are light snacks and drinks after the event. Typically cookies, bagels, bananas, oranges, water, coffee and juice boxes. (subject to change)
Why Use a Swim Buddy?
The Swim Buddy is simply a safety tool which makes swimmers much more visible in the water. This is important as swimmers can get quite spread apart and this allows our safety patrol and other boaters who are on the lake at the time a better chance to spot swimmers.
With the potential for high wind and waves, several support paddlers may need to be rescued themselves (It has happened in previous years)! When a support person goes over, the swimmer is now left vulnerable or trying to help their support person get back in their craft. Now 2 people are in the water and potentially not visible to our safety crew and other boats. Also, when a support person goes over, naturally other support people go to help them (as they should) but that now leaves other swimmers alone and more vulnerable.
Finally, should, god forbid, anything really serious happen out there, many support boaters don’t have the experience, or sometimes the upper body strength to hold on to their swimmers until a powerboat/lifeguard can arrive, especially as they will try to both signal the power boats while helping their swimmer. The Swim Buddy has enough floatation that it will keep a swimmer’s body up if they hold on to it (which is easier than trying to hold on to a kayak or canoe).
The Swim Buddy does not add any extra drag, and you won’t even notice it behind you.
Ultimately, we want everyone to have fun and successful swims, but swimmer safety is of utmost importance.
Is there a gear check?
Yes, the gear check opens early in the morning so you can drop off your items. Be sure to put them in a bag so we can tag it for you to pick up at the end of your swim.
Is there parking at the start line?
No, there is no parking available at the start line.
Parking
There is very limited parking at Gellatly Bay. Therefore, included in your registration is a free shuttle to and from the parking lot near the Tim Horton’s in the Westbank Shopping Centre (between Gosset Rd & Bering Rd) to Willow Beach.
The shuttle starts leaving at 6am and will do several round trips. After your swim it will bring you back to the parking lot.
Photos
Water
Temp
Today's Okanagan Lake Water Temperature
Updated: Nov 20, 2024 10:30pm
