12th Annual Swim the Snake a success

LYONS FERRY, WA - The 12th Annual Swim the Snake was held on Saturday, August 9, at Lyons Ferry Marina. The event raises funds for a regional non-profit, youth educational programs, and a summer swim team. Almost 50 participants swam and paddled the 0.7-mile course between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina, and some made it round-trip. Hannah Holman swam three legs for 2.10 miles.

The Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council organizes the event with local volunteers, grants, donations, and foundation financial support. River patrols from the Columbia, Franklin, and Walla Walla County Sheriff's Offices managed river traffic. The event's photographer, Dr. Mike Luce, also monitored the participants in his kayak, ready to offer additional flotation to anyone who needed assistance.

The weather and river conditions were perfect-a windless, sunny day with a river temperature of around 72 degrees. Many spectators cheered the swimmers and paddlers from the fishing pad at the marina. Paddlers helped spot the swimmers to the marina, and many swimmers swam back to the State Park, for a round-trip of 1.4 miles.

Gwen Dildine and her family participated on paddleboards with a whimsical, inflated loon. Participants came from Walla Walla, Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, and other Pacific Northwest communities, including Spokane, Lewiston, Sisters, and Portland, Oregon.

"This was a very well-organized, fun event," said Joy Smith, CEO of BMRCDC. "From the online registration process, check-in, and commemorative T-shirt distribution, the event ran smoothly." Her 11-year-old granddaughter, Lilly, helped spot incoming swimmers coming into the marina in her kayak.

Regional support for the event comes from Puget Sound Energy, Dayton/Columbia County fund of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, Columbia and Franklin County Commissioners LTEP funds, Banner Bank, Lyons Ferry KOA, Washington State Parks, US Coast Guard, US Army Corps of Engineer, Port of Columbia, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Waitsburg Commercial Club and numerous local volunteers.

The event raised over $2,400.00 before expenses. Rural community youth programs appreciate this annual support for their activities.