Route canal

St. Peter’s giving people a chance to swim from Bras d’Or Lake to Atlantic Ocean

It’s a unique experience in which you begin swimming in the Bras d’Or Lake and end up in the Atlantic Ocean.

With more 105 participants already registered, this year’s Swim the Canal event has attracted interest from all over Canada.

“We have people of all ages and we’re anticipating four generations of one family to also participate,” said organizer Ann Marie Kerr.

This will be the third year for swim, which had 77 participants in the first year and 117 last year. Kerr expects that number will be exceeded this year.

Having grown up in the community, Kerr returned home four years ago and soon began reminiscing about her childhood days when swimming in and around the canal area was commonplace.

“There is certainly lots of a nostalgia associated with this event,” said Kerr.

Kerr said the event is open to swimmers from nine to 99, noting at least two of this year’s competitors will be over 80.

Swimmers under 12 need to provide some proof they are capable swimmers, such as a Red Cross swimming badge.

The event is set for Aug. 6 and is part of the community’s annual Nicholas Denys Days festival.

The 800-metre canal links the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake and Kerr said swimmers will begin on the lake side before proceeding through the canal’s lock system. She said all swimmers will be let through the system at the same time.

Registration is set for 1 p.m., with the swim beginning around 3 p.m. Kerr cautions that even those who have preregistered still need to sign in prior to the event in order to receive a number so organizers can track all participants.

The cost is $15, which covers the cost of a T-shirt. Organizers plan to make a donation for the continued maintenance of the Jerome Point Lighthouse.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Registration is available by contacting Kerr at ann.kerr@bellaliant.net, or 902-535-3759.