Lake Tahoe OWSA

The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it relates to the upcoming Lake Tahoe marathon swim season. 

The first swims of the season are set to begin in mid-July. Under normal circumstances, this would be ample time to prepare for a swim. However, the circumstances are anything but normal and the uncertainty makes it all the more difficult and frustrating. We understand many of you have had your training plans interrupted with the closure of pools and access to open water in addition to the stress that this global pandemic has brought. As swimmers, we understand the disappointment and challenges.

• If you have not yet filed your 2020 swim application
  We are changing our swim application due date for the 2020 season. Instead of applications and fees being due by May 15, 2020, they will now be due no later than 14-days prior to your swim.
• For those who have already filed their 2020 swim applications
  If your swim date changes, please let us know so that we may update the Observer assigned to your swim.

  In the event that your swim cannot take place because of COVID-19, you may request a refund for the amount paid, less transaction fees. Alternatively, you can request your fees be rolled to 2021 if you have transferred your swim to next season.

We are staying abreast of the United States Coast Guard revised guidelines for marine events during the COVID-19 crisis and in active conversations with the sector commander regarding current and potential changes that could impact swims on Lake Tahoe this summer. 

As the situation evolves, we remain eager and willing to be flexible and look for creative solutions so long as all public safety guidelines are followed. This may include limiting swims to your pilot(s), observer, and one crew member. Relay swims may be deferred to 2021 or the number of relay members on a swim decreased.  

We wish you well during this time and look forward to sunny days ahead in and on the water.

Marathon swimming in Lake Tahoe matures with a legitimate governing body.

July 4, 2018 – SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association has been established as the governing body sanctioning marathon swims in Lake Tahoe. To date, there was no unbiased, dedicated non-profit organization defining, ratifying, and certifying open water swims at North America’s largest alpine lake. Lake Tahoe has been popular with open water swimmers for years, and a growing destination for marathon swimmers seeking to add to their list of accomplishments.

Despite good intentions, the diligence required to form an entity with bylaws, a proper and unbiased board, safety standards, defined courses, insurance, and the professional governance expected by the global open water swimming community never transpired,” said founding board member Sylvia Lacock. “Marathon swimming in Lake Tahoe has evolved to a point where swimmers demand professionalism, transparency, and confidence in the governing body overseeing and ratifying swims.

The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association operates under the Northern California Open Water Swimming Association, a non-profit organization led by a board of 9 established and notable members of the open water swimming community. Since incorporating in March 2018, members have worked to ensure marathon swimming in Tahoe has comprehensive rules, policies, and procedures similar to those of long-standing and respected associations both globally and within the state – Catalina Channel Swimming Federation, Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association, and Monterey Bay Swimming Association.

As a California Public Benefits Corporation, with pending 501(c)3 status, the unbiased and transparent organization includes member-driven committees for all aspects of marathon swimming in Lake Tahoe including but not limited to Rules & Regulations, Courses, Safety, Applications, Observers, Swim Ratifications, and Appeals.  

Lake Tahoe offers 3 recognized courses, the ‘Length’ (21.3 miles), the ‘True Width’ (12 miles) and the ‘Vikingsholm’ (10.5 miles). “Completing the three swims will earn swimmers the ‘Lake Tahoe Triple Crown™’ a distinction awarded by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association,” stated Patrick O’Malley Daly, Chair of the Course Committee.

Swimmers planning a marathon swim attempt in Lake Tahoe for the 2018 season will need to file a swim application and pay the sanction fee for the course they wish to attempt. Swimmers who had scheduled a prior swim may contact the Association to discuss their application, sanction fees, and deadlines. Course details and rules must be followed in order for a swim to be considered for ratification and included in the official records of Lake Tahoe swims. 

The board of directors includes Patrick O’Malley Daly, Suzie Dods, Suzanne Heim-Bowen, Sylvia Lacock,Ranie  Pearce, Bryan Temmermand, Michael Tschantz-Hahn, and Steve Walker. Collectively, this group has completed numerous marathon and channels swims including 7 solo English Channel crossings, 5 Manhattan Island circumnavigations, 5 Catalina Channel crossings, Lake Tahoe Length and True Width swims. Two board members, Suzie Dods and Ranie Pearce, have achieved the notable ‘Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.’