Swimmer Dies at Well-Known Across the Lake Event
Cause of death for 67-year-old athlete still unknown, local community mourns loss
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The Across the Lake event is a long-standing Okanagan endurance sport staple that has been running since 1949. It attracts more than 1,000 swimmers each year on a course across Okanagan Lake, where participants can select either 1.5km or 2.1km in length, starting in West Kelowna and ending at Hot Sands Beach in Kelowna.
Tragically, at this year’s event on Saturday, one participant – a 67-year-old man – passed away. As reported by West Kelowna RCMP, the man was found unresponsive in the water roughly two hours after the event start. He was taken to shore and received medical attention by BC Ambulance crews.
On the day of the event, race participants reported high winds and choppy waters, making the event more challenging than it is most years, particularly for newer swimmers who may be less experienced in these conditions.
Across the Lake Swim Society, the event organizer, released the following statement on their social media:
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We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this difficult time.