Sunday Group Swim at Browning Lake (2022-06-05)
The first weekend of each month The Swim Wild Squamish crew will explore the Sea to Sky to try out something new! Join us on Sunday, June 5 at Browning Lake. This replaces the typical Saturday morning swim this week.
Time and Place
This swim takes place at Browning Lake in Murrin Provincial Park. We will meet at 7:45am-7:50am and plan to be in the water by 8:00am. Please allow yourself a few minutes to park, get ready, and sign in before the mandatory safety briefing at 7:55am sharp. If you miss the safety briefing at 7:55am you will not be allowed to swim with us. See below for additional location and parking info.
Swim Format
The lake is small and easily accessible from the car.
– Option 1 (dip): the water gets gradually deeper close to shore, which makes for a nice place to dip! Stay in as long as you like.
– Option 2 (swim around the lake): swim from the beach out and around the lake (estimated distance coming soon!)
You may swim as long as you like, but everyone must sign out by 9:15am.
Safety
There are no lifeguards at this lake. There is no motorized boat traffic allows, but paddlers or fishers are common. Swimming wild is an amazing experience, but it’s not without risk. This is how we manage it:
– We swim within our own abilities, and need to be honest with ourselves about our abilities if we decide to venture out of our depth. We want to be out of the water long before we get too cold or exhausted
– We swim with a buddy, and check in regularly to see how each other is doing
– We each carry a whistle. If anything happens, you can signal for help
– We each wear a brightly-coloured swim cap (such as your SWS member cap!). This makes us easy to spot. A brightly-coloured tow float is also highly recommended, and can be great to hold on to when having a break out in the deep water
– We will sign in before the safety briefing and sign out before we leave. If we don’t sign out, the volunteers will call us, then our emergency contact, then the first responders. This is incredibly important to make sure we can account for everyone
– We will have a first aid kit and at least one person trained in first aid present at every swim. However, this first aid person may be in the water and will not necessarily be able to respond promptly. We may also be far away from the kit as you venture out on your swim.
Gear
Each swimmer is responsible for their own choice of gear, but here are some suggestions:
– A swimsuit or swim apparel of choice (no judgement)
– A wetsuit (optional)
– A brightly-coloured swim cap or hat/toque (cap included with your membership)
– A loud whistle (mandatory; available for $5 at our swims)
– Goggles and ear plugs (optional)
– A brightly-coloured tow-float (recommended)
– Snacks and water (especially for the half-way point for the full iron distance)
Once you get out of the water, you might want:
– A large towel or two
– A mat or extra towel for standing on while getting changed
– A dry-robe, towel robe, or just a big towel for getting changed under
– Loose clothing that’s easy to pull on when you’re slightly damp. Buttons, zippers, or other fussy things that are difficult to use with numb fingers are not recommended
– Water shoes, crocs, or flip flops
– A warm drink
– A snack
Getting Here and Parking
This location is best accessed by car. Heading south on the Sea to Sky Highway from Squamish, look for a short right turning lane (signs for Murrin Park) to turn directly into the parking lot. Parking is free.
About the Location
This lake is immediately adjacent to the highway, and you’ve probably seen it when driving between Vancouver and Squamish. The water tends to be somewhat murky, and has a fairly gradual entry from the beach. Expect the odd bit of lakeweed and perhaps the occasional fish. We will meet at the main beach close to the parking lot. Here is the location.
Washrooms
There are a few outhouses at the parking lot. Consider bringing your own toilet kit with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. You may also want to arrive dressed and ready to swim.
