Lake Ontario Swims

Overview

These weekly monitored swim workouts are coordinated and ran by The BTC Board & other BTC volunteers. They are geared towards acclimating yourself to open water and to familiarize yourself with swimming continuously without a wall every 25/50 yards. 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. Swimming in Lake Ontario can be more comfortable for new swimmers because of the shallow depth and ability to easily swim to shore. Some members may also go for a run or bike ride out of the swim site afterwards.

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.

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.

Swimming Rules

1. You must be a paid active member of the club to participate in club events. We cannot allow guests or any kind of 1-day option due to insurance reasons.

2. You must sign in prior to beginning the workout.

3. You must wear a bright-colored swim cap, to make yourself more visible in the water.

4. Members are highly encouraged to buy a personal swim buoy to be seen better on the water and to help in the case of an emergency.

5. You must stay within visible range of the swim monitors. Please do not swim off in 1 direction for a long period of time.

6. You must pair up with at least one other member to ensure everyone's safety.  There are usually plenty of members swimming, so it's pretty easy to tag along with others that are swimming loops or lengths.

Water Temperature & Beach/Water Conditions

Lake temperature estimates can be found on various websites linked below. Temperatures are taken at various locations and depths and may not reflect the exact temperature at the swim site. We'll usually toss a thermometer in the water for a reading before each swim.

• Weather.gov: Rochester

• SeaTemperature.Info: Youngstown - Olcott

• NOAA.gov Buoy Data: Niagara on the Lake  and Olcott 

• Surface Temperature Scan 

• Niagara County Health Department Beach Report 

Weather & Cancellations

Lake Ontario is known to sometimes "up-well", 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 up-welling is strong winds blowing across the lake from the west over the previous day(s). 

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 cancellations.  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!