The swim will start from Okanagan Lake Beach in Rotary Park. The swim is one 3 km loop that will be marked by buoys. You will swim in a North by Northwest direction for 1100 m before making a gradual 800 m turn along the clockwise loop. You will then swim 1100 m back towards the shore to finish at the Okanagan Lake Park Transition Area. The swim course will be marked by orange buoys placed every 100 metres that may be passed on the left or the right. Yellow buoys will mark the turns, all of which must be on the swimmers right side when passed.
Average water temperature on race day is 20 oC.
The Technical Delegate and Head Referee will call the swim a Wetsuit Allowed or Not Allowed based on water temperatures taken 1 hour before the start of the event.
For events 1501 m and longer the following restrictions apply:
Age Group- forbidden at 24.6oC and above, mandatory at 15.9 oC and below
Open - forbidden at 24.6oC and above, mandatory at 15.9 oC and below
Elite- forbidden at 22oC and above, mandatory at 15.9oC and below
Paratriathletes- forbidden at 28oC and above, mandatory below 18oC
The water conditions really depend on the weather. The probability of rain is only slight at this time of year. Morning winds are generally very low and the lake should be calm. However, the water temperature, wave action and wind could at times cause discomfort, so athletes should be prepared to swim in a variety of conditions.