The NEW (2021) Cedar Creek SWIM LOOP

Although there has been a swim area below the cliffs of the Cedar Creek Dog Park area for many years (in fact there was a nudist’s beach there until about 20 years ago!), few people ever think to swim there.  But this serene, super-clear, hidden 1200 meter-long, deep water loop  will  ground you as a better open water swimmer.

Learn About the History of Cedar Creek Park

Today's Okanagan Lake Water Temperature

10.8°C
Updated: Nov 20, 2024 8:16pm

Some  additional common sense …

  1.  Let someone know that you are swimming here, and when you expect to be back.
  2. Lock your valuables in your car, and consider swimming with your key in a ziplocked bag. Leaving other personal effects on the beach is at your own risk.
  3. There is an actively used boat launch at the south end of this beach, so you need to be aware of watercraft at all times.
  4. The earlier you swim in the day, the less potential conflicts you will have with boats or kayakers.
  5. Since this beach is not bare-foot friendly, consider wearing water shoes or an old pair of runners while you swim.
  6. Since there is a dog park next to the beach, be aware that dogs may be chasing balls into the water near your swimming course.
  7. If you are not confident with swimming in deep open water, consider swimming at Boyce-Gyro Beach where the entire swim loop courses over a shallow sandy bench.

A FEW USEFUL TIPS

  1. Swimming in Okanagan Lake is most comfortable from late May to the end of September.  Outside of this period, the water temperature can dip below 15°C.
  2. When swimming in cooler water (below 20°C), consider using silicone (not latex) swim caps for extra head insulation, and consider double capping, or even a neoprene skull cap below 15°C.  When the water is cold, limit your swim time to 30 minutes or less.
  3. If you become a regular swimmer here, get to know this part of Okanagan Lake. In May and June, there is always a snowmelt spring runoff that adds a lot of cold water to the lake as it approaches “full pool” each year.
  4. Most of this swim course is too deep to stand when following the shoreside of the marker buoys.
  5. With the exception of windy days with significant waves, there is minimal measurable current at this location.
  6. There is vegetation near the middle and at the north end of this swim, but most of it is too deep to touch it; but you may see occasional fish in these areas!
  7. During the runoff period, there may be debris floating in the lake that you may swim into–usually branches, driftwood, leaves or other debris.  The water is usually cloudier at this time, with more limited visibility.
  8. When leaving the lake to return to your vehicle, there are concrete tables you can sit at to remove your water-shoes and/or your wetsuit.

WHY OPEN WATER SWIMMING IS SO GREAT

  1.  Many pool swimmers discover that they are more anxious in open water than in the confines of a pool.  This is normal, and speaks to the many new variables in open water that can add greater uncertainty to your swimming experience.
  2. It is good to adapt to the many new skills that open water swimming demands, which ultimately adds confidence to your swimming.
  3. Getting comfortable in deep open water will get you ready for the open water swim experience of most triathlons (such as Kelowna’s Apple Triathlon), as well as the iconic Across the Lake Swim, a major local bucket list event if ever there was one.  You will also ultimately feel more confident simply being out on the water, whether boating, paddling, kiteboarding, or scuba diving.
  4. Getting comfortable in open water should also be a goal for our lakeside communities,  and even thought of as a life skill that every child should learn.
  5. Check out our open water coaching pages, where you can find some basic open water swim workouts, find some info about  open water swim clinics held here every summer, or who to contact if you want some private coaching. 
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