More than 130 swimmers make waves at inaugural Swim the Lake fundraiser in Kingston

New open-water event raises more than $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario while launching a new waterfront tradition.

More than 130 swimmers hit the water Saturday morning for the inaugural Swim the Lake event at the Kingston Yacht Club, raising more than $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario. Organizer Linda Clouthier gave her initial reaction.

The open-water swim marked the start of the annual Summer Fest Regatta and brought together participants of all ages and abilities to support children and youth living with physical disabilities.

Swimmers chose between 1.5-kilometre and three-kilometre routes along Kingston’s waterfront, travelling toward Gord Downie Pier before returning to the yacht club.
The event was created to encourage community participation while raising money for accessibility and inclusion programs across Ontario.

In a Facebook post following the event, she  thanked volunteers, sponsors, safety crews and participants for helping turn the vision into reality.

She described seeing more than 130 swimmers supporting Easter Seals Ontario as one of the proudest moments of her career.

Organizers say the successful first event is only the beginning, with plans for Swim the Lake Kingston to become an annual community tradition.

Story by Alyssa Brush