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Your Hometown News Source
Swimmers and paddlers, closely watched by volunteers in boats and kayaks, cross the Snake River at Lyons Ferry in 2022.
LYONS FERRY–The tenth annual SWIM the SNAKE event will be held at the Lyons Ferry Marina and Lyons Ferry State Park on Saturday, August 12, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. Online registration is open.
The non-competitive, open-water swim will commence ten minutes after the last "paired swimmer" leaves the State Park. Better swimmers may return to the State Park upon arrival at the Marina and transportation will be provided for those who wish only to swim the channel, 0.7 mile. All participants are expected to be out of the river channel by 1 p.m.
In addition to the non-competitive, open-water swim, event organizers continue to hold a two-stage, competitive (or non-competitive) relay, paddling in a kayak or paddle-board (only) from Lyons Ferry Marina to Lyons Ferry State Park, across Lake Bryan on the Snake River. Upon arrival at Lyons Ferry State Park, paddlers can enter the water or tag-team with their "paired swimmer" and swim back to Lyons Ferry Marina.
Money received from entrants to the event will support Regional Youth Summer Swim Teams programs and the Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council. Participants will receive a bottle of water, a numbered swim cap, chilled melon slices at the end of the event and transportation for swimmers back to the State Park following the swim.
Paddlers can check in at Lyons Ferry Marina and swimmers at check in at Lyons Ferry State Park from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. All participants MUST sign a waiver for release of liability on the Eventbrite website (or bring a signed copy with you).
Participants parking at Lyons Ferry State Park are required to have one-day or annual Discover Pass authorizing parking within a Washington State Park. Participants may also call 509-386-6021 or visit the website for additional event information.
Coast Guard Kennewick Auxiliary, Columbia and Franklin County Sheriff's patrols will be on the river with numerous volunteers, Washington State Parks, and US Army Corps of Engineers personnel to provide assistance and ensure participant safety.
Required registration is found at http://www.eventbrite.com/swimthesnake, including a link to a waiver of release of liability forms. Online pre-registration is required. Event information can be found at: http://www.swimthesnake.org.
The event coordinator is retiring this year and is looking for a person to take on the planning of this fun event. Please contact Lisa Naylor at 509-386-6021 or leave a message on Eventbrite.com when you register.
