Ninth Annual SWIM the SNAKE Paddling and Open Water Swim is August 13

LYONS FERRY– The ninth annual SWIM the SNAKE event will be held at Lyons Ferry Marina and Lyons Ferry State Park on Saturday, August 13, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m. Online registration open now.

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.

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.

Online pre-registration is required. Event information can be found at: http://www.swimthesnake.org

Required registration is found at http://www.eventbrite.com/swimthesnake, including a link to a waiver of release of liability forms

Cost for the event, which supports the Regional Youth Summer Swim Teams programs and the Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council is $33.67 per participant (including a $3.67 required registration fee). The fee includes a commemorative T-shirt (if ordered before August 4), bottle of water, a provided required 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).

Rebecca’s Lodge, a local restaurant in Starbuck, will offer a $2 discount on food orders for those finishers who wear their commemorative T-shirts following the event. They also serve wine and beer; however, the discount does NOT apply to alcohol sales.

Participants parking at Lyons Ferry State Park are required to have one-day ($10/day) or annual Discover Pass ($30/year) 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.