In 1989, six intrepid swimmers decided to swim from Keewatin Beach to Coney Beach. This was a simpler time. There was certainly no training and the participants wore baggy shorts and certainly no swimming goggles. The early route crossed the float plane runway, and two channels so in 1990 when the swimmers re-convened with a few foolish friends, they did so at the Yacht Club for a swim around Kalamalka, Gourley and the Yacht Club Island. Hence the name: three island swim.
The swim course has remained the same since that second swim. At 3 km, the event is a true test of the more confident individual at your camp. 
See the three island swim course map here. 95.95 Kb
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Swim Poster 2011 (1.37 MB)
For those who enjoy the social aspects of this event, there is the relay category where three swimmers each complete one leg of the 3 km course.
All participants are required to have a spotter (strongly preferred in a non-motorized boat) to watch over their health and welfare. On wavy days, when it's one breath of air and one breath of water, it is nice to have a trusty spotter ever-present to guide the way and be available for quick rescue.
A distinctive poster has been developed for each year of the three island swim. See the posters here.
A complete listing of the annual 3 island swim results can be found: Swim Results 2011 (155.17 kB)
The course is always finished by a resounding sound of the Yacht Club bell and swimmers are met with well earned snacks of fresh fruit, muffins and cookies.
For those that participate or spot, do read the 2011 RLWYC Three Island Swim Spotter Instructions (59.05 kB)
The course record is held by Stuart Starkey at 33:15 and Stuart has won the event 6 times - every time he has entered. For those who swim, or watch the Olympics, this is a remarkable time. Nobody else has been in the 30's. Other notables are Larry Kyle - a 5 time winner and Robert Bulman - a 4 time winner.
On the women's side, Catherine Konantz has entered the event 16 times, not including her participation as a 1989 founding swimmer. During seven of these years, she has posted the fastest women's time. Carolyn Hutchins has won the event four times including a string of 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The event attracts the young and young at heart. Roger Murray last finished the swim at the age of 67 and there are some strong 11-12 year olds who have finished the course: Jordyn Crowley (age 11); Eric Alvarez (age 11), Chris Hrichishen (age 11), Ashley Reese (age 12), Ian Grant (attempted at age 10), and Chris Grant (age 11).
Awards are given for the top three male and female swimmers as well as Best Rookie, Most Improved and the coveted Participation Award for spirit and event contribution.
See the 2009 photo album three island swim.
The three island swim - an RLWYC tradition. Ready to Enter? 2011 RLWYC Three Island Swim Entry Form (69.84 kB)
