A 59-year tradition continued last Thursday as 10 junior members of the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club participated in their annual swim across the lake, sponsored by the Junior Program. Each swimmer was accompanied by a spotter in a canoe, kayak or jet ski. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department helped to monitor boat traffic during the swim. The children ranged in age from 8-13 and demonstrated endurance and a drive to succeed as they swam more than a mile across the width of Chautauqua Lake. The Junior Program runs every summer for six weeks with a primary focus on sailing and swimming. Rowing, knots and safety awareness skills are also taught. Above are the swimmers who participated in the swim. In the front row, from the left, are Jack Ballard, Jonah Ward, Maggie Offenbach and Jack Colburn. In the back row are Siri Dubois, Zoe Pike, Abby Galati, Heidi Swan-Leuze, Philipp Meyer and Jack Slater.

Submitted photo