1.5 & 3 km Open Water Swim
Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
at the Kingston Yacht Club
Kingston is thrilled to welcome back Swim the Lake, an open water swim hosted at the Kingston Yacht Club in support of Easter Seals Ontario.
Join us for an unforgettable day on the water as swimmers of all abilities come together along Kingston’s stunning waterfront. Participants will start and finish at the Kingston Yacht Club, swimming out toward the iconic Gord Downie Pier and back, taking in the beauty of Lake Ontario and our historic shoreline.
Whether you’re an experienced open water swimmer or taking on a new personal challenge, Swim the Lake Kingston offers a supportive, community-driven experience with safety and celebration at its core.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise in support of Easter Seals Ontario, helping create brighter futures for kids and youth with disabilities across the province.
The swim will be followed by the Kingston Yacht Club’s annual regatta, making this a full day of waterfront excitement, community spirit, and purpose.
Come swim, fundraise, and be part of the revival of a Kingston tradition — all for a great cause.
Registration
Swimmers can choose between a 1.5 km or 3 km open water swim.
Extra Early
Before March 31
Early Bird
April 1 to May 31
Full Price
June 1 to Event Day!
Fundraising
Once you sign up, don’t forget to use your online fundraising profile (that is created when you register) to ask your family, friends, and colleagues for donations in support of your 1.5 km or 3.0 km open-water Swim the Lake challenge! Not only will your online donors instantly receive their tax receipts to their inbox, but your online donations will go directly towards your individual participation in this great event, giving you some great chances to win some amazing incentive prizes, and day-of fundraising prizes… not to mention all funds will support kids with physical disabilities!!
Race Information
Swim Packet Pick-up:
Race kit pick-up and late registration is Friday, July 3, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Kingston Yacht Club.
Pick up your event kit which will include the required swim cap and other goodies. While you’re there, check out the course, swim start line, and club facilities. The Yacht Club will be open to the Bring on the Lake participants and their friends and family. All are welcome to enjoy a beverage and pre-race meal or snack on KYC’s patio.
Race Day Schedule – Saturday, July 4
| 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. | Late Race Kit Pickup |
| 7:00 – 7:45 a.m. | Swim information |
| 8:00 a.m. | 3 km Route: Race begins |
| 8:45 a.m. | 1.5 km Route: Race begins |
| 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast for Swimmers |
| 9:30 a.m. | Awards and Swim Closing Ceremony |
Timing Chip Distribution:
Sportstats will provide timing, which also serves as an added safety feature for our swim event. Timing chips will be provided to racers before they enter the water. All swimmers must have a timing chip to be permitted in the water as part of this event.
Swim Start:
Bring your swimsuit, wetsuit (optional), goggles (recommended), pre-race nutrition, hydration, and sunscreen. Swim caps provided are mandatory. Please write your assigned swim cap number on each side of your swim cap.
Please ensure all items you would like to wait at the finish line for you are placed in a bag. At bag drop on race day, we will provide you with a tag for your bag or knapsack.
The swim will start promptly at 8 a.m. You’re welcome to warm up beforehand, but please exit the water by 7:30 a.m. To ensure a timely start, follow all instructions carefully.
Make sure your assigned swim cap number is clearly visible on both sides of your cap, and remember to wear it for the entire duration of the swim.
At the start, you will cross a timing mat before entering the water to begin your swim. Timing and results will be provided.
Other things to consider:
Safety and Swim Rules: There will be boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards patrolling the course. Swimmers may stop and hold onto a vessel for the purpose of rest and recovery. Please note that no individual escorts will be permitted.
Swim caps must be worn during the race and will be included with your race kit. Please write your assigned swim cap number on each side of your swim cap. Goggles are strongly recommended. There are no restrictions on wetsuits. Fins, paddles, swim buoys, other swim aids, as well as music listening devices will not be permitted. Violators will not be eligible for awards. For the safety of all participants, it is essential that every swimmer can hear instructions from our water safety team and respond to any potential distress calls from fellow swimmers.
If you need to remove yourself from the swim, we will provide you with transport to the finish line. Volunteer medical staff will be available at the finish line. Swimmers requiring medical attention during the swim may be transported prior to reaching the finish line. We ask that you return your timing chip if you leave the swim early.
There is a 2-hour time limit to complete the swim. Remaining swimmers may be picked up from the water for swimmer safety. All timing chips must be returned as soon as you finish or return to shore.
Contact Us
Please reach out to Linda Clouthier for more information at lclouthier@easterseals.org.