Ottawa Riverkeeper swim is August 10

The fundraising swim races across and along the Ottawa River will take place on August 10. An interprovincial event that unites the two shores of the Ottawa River, this swim symbolically seeks to highlight the need for collaboration to ensure that the river remains healthy.

This set of races, which is part of the Global Swim series, aims to generate funds to support the organization Ottawa Riverkeeper, which has done important front-line work in the recent dead fish saga.

There are three race distances: 4 km, 1.5 km, and 750 m in various different categories.

Prizes will be awarded to the best swimmers, as well as to the best individual and team fundraisers.

Fundraising proceeds support the organization’s programs, including the new Road Salt Monitoring initiative. This program is designed to monitor conductivity and chloride levels in the Ottawa River that can be significantly altered with the excessive application of road salt after heavy snow falls and ice buildup.

The starting line for all races will be at the Lac Deschênes Sailing Club in Shirley’s Bay, Ottawa, and the finish line at Parc des Cèdres.

Rain day: Sunday, August 11.