The annual cross-the-lake swim took place July 19 as 10 members of the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club’s Junior Program continued the 63-year tradition. Swimmers were transported across the lake by power boat, where they dove in and swam more than 1 mile back to the yacht club. Each swimmer was accompanied by an adult spotter who rowed beside in a kayak or canoe. Additionally, the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Department was on hand to direct boat traffic. This event is organized and overseen by the counselors of the Junior Program, many of whom were one-time participants and completed the swim themselves. The program runs each summer for seven weeks. Swimming and sailing instruction takes place each day and OPTI sailboats can be seen dotting the lake in front of the club as the campers learn sailing techniques. Swimmers who completed the swim, pictured, from left, are: Avi Whitmore, Jack Ballard, Marisela Abby, Jack Webb, Oskar Toczydlowski-Gunderson, Martha McDonald, Casper McDonald, Allie Arnone, Charlie Webb and Felicity Ferris.

Submitted photo