Canada's oldest and largest open water swim event celebrated its 76th year with a splash. 

On the morning of July 20, more than 1,100 people strapped on a timing chip, squeezed into a swim cap and dove into Okanagan Lake for the 76th annual Across the Lake Swim. 

The Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim is a historic open water swim event, with categories for competitive and general age-group athletes in 2.1 and 1.4 km distances. 
"Many participants are first time swimmers and it is tremendously rewarding to see them fulfill their personal challenge," said Peter Rudd, the Events Director of the Across the Lake Swim after the event. 

In addition to being an iconic community event, the swim is a fundraiser for the YMCA Southern Okanagan. Swim across the Lake has donated more than $166,000 to send over 20,000 3rd graders for free swim lessons. 

For those interested in open water swimming, the organization Across The Lake Swims also holds a swim to Rattlesnake Island on August 3, a swim across Skaha Lake on August 11, a swim across Kalamalka Lake on August 17, and longer distance races across Okanagan Lake from Gellately Bay on August 31.

For more information about the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim and to register for future events, please visit .