2019 Lake Ontario Swim Information



      


(based on NOAA satellite scans of the top 1mm of water)

(based on NOAA satellite scans of the top 1mm of water)

(based on NOAA buoy and weather station readings)

(link to wunderground.com)

(link to niagaracounty.com)
 

Weekly supervised swims, every SUNDAY (except as noted on our calendar) at 8:30am, starting on Sunday July 7th for 2019 (depending on water conditions). We also have the BTC Ontario Scenario and pot luck picnic scheduled at this site on Saturday June 28th.

Check the BTC online calendar for the complete schedule 

Warning: the BTC does not condone or endorse swimming in Lake Ontario alone. It is never wise to swim anywhere alone so please always have someone with you or to watch you.

Sunday morning BTC swims in Lake Ontario are cordinated by Brad Hilimon.  The swims start at 8:30am.  The water is normally crystal clear, and the depth of the water gradually increases as you go out further from shore.  Everyone tends to swim back and forth, parallel to the shore.  If you are uncomfortable in open water you can stay closer to the shore so that you can touch bottom.  Lake Ontario is known to sometimes "upwell", moving cold water from the bottom up to the surface, which may result in an unexpected swim cancellation.  Be sure to check our BTC online calendar, and watch our facebook group and email blasts.  A primary cause of upwelling is strong winds blowing across the lake from the West.

Directions:  The swims take place in Youngstown, right next to Fourmile Creek State Park. The address is "Dietz Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174". There is room to park and also a place to lock up bicycles.

Please make sure you take precautions to secure your property while you are in the lake swimming. For example, if you ride your bicycle to the swim site you should take precautions to lock up your bicycle and secure your other items in someone's car.

You may also want to bring a pair of sandals or some protection for your feet on the short walk from the parking area to the lake.


BTC Swimming Rules:
  1. You must wear a bright-colored swim cap, to identify yourself in the water.

  2. You must pair up with at least one other member to ensure everyone's safety.

  3. BTC members must sign in prior to beginning the workout, and sign out when they exit the water.

  4. The BTC discourages the use of alcohol and members will not be permitted to participate in the workout if they have been drinking. Members are permitted to bring their own alcohol for personal consumption following a workout, provided that they do not violate any venue rules or laws (no glass containers, no under age drinking, etc). Any members who bring and/or consume alcohol at or after a BTC event knowingly and personally assume the risk of so doing and expressly release from liability the BTC and all BTC officers and members.

  5. As of 2019 you must be an active member of the club to participate in club events. There is no more $5 non-member option. This is due to changes with our USAT insurance.
Our swim schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.  Please be sure to check the BTC online calendar (as well as BTC email list, facebook page, etc) for any changes and cancellantions.  It is very rare for an event to be canceled in advance due to weather.  Cancellations due to weather may be made on site at the time that the event is scheduled to start.  Even though it might be raining at 5 pm where you are, it may be clear and sunny at the event site or vice versa!  We'll all do our best to provide advanced notice of event changes/cancellations but your cooperation and patience are also appreciated!