Welcome to Vernon Masters Swim Club

At Vernon Masters Swim Club, we believe in fostering good energy, connecting with good people, and promoting healthy lifestyles through our indoor and open water swimming opportunities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive through all ages and stages of life.

Interested in officiating, competing or connecting? 

Reach out!

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In the Pool

When are practices?

Tuesday 8:15 PM (60 min)

Wednesday 6:30 AM (60 min)

Wednesday 7:30 AM (60 min)

Thursday 8:15 PM (60 min)

Friday 6:30 AM (60 min)

Friday 7:30 AM (60 min)

Sunday 8:00 AM (90 min)

Sunday 9:30 (90 min)

* in late spring, the Sunday block becomes a single combined 2-hour block

Do I get access to anything else?

YES! As a city-run program, Masters Membership also gives you access to the lap swim times at no additional charge and the gym on-site at no additional charge. Sauna and hot tub are also available on deck.

When are lap and gym times?

Please check the Vernon Recreation page (vernon.ca) for a list of lap swim and gym times, as they are subject to change throughout the course of the year. Lap and gym schedules are linked above for your convenience. 

Can I access previous workouts to take and use on my own?

Yes, we are currently developing a method of delivering this information. If you would like access, please leave your name and request at the front desk, and we will get in touch with you ASAP! 

How much does a membership cost?

Unlike private associations, the cost of a Masters membership in Vernon is notably less due to its city-run status. For Sept - June 2025 membership can be found on the Vernon Recreation page linked HERE.

Masters vs Kokanees (coming for 2025/2026)

Whether you are part of a swim family or solo swimmer to your family group, this fun relay day is not to be missed! Families go head to head as Grandparent swim with grandkids and generations in between... then line up to swim against them. Solo swimmers round out the relay teams, filling in the odd numbers or staking teams of their own. 

A fun part of practice, this events ends in an on site POTLUCK for all to enjoy. 

Vernon Winter Splash SWIM MEET

Vernon hosts a combined meet in Febreuary each year where a short masters meet is combined with a small selection of sprints the age group swimmers race. It's a lovely blend of Masters swimming and the cheers and energy of age group racing. Massages by massage students from OVCMT (BC's leading RMT program) are free on-site for this meet.

Not to be missed!

Compete in an out of town meet!

Whether it's Nationals (past Vernon team shown above) , Provincials (past Vernon team shown below) or an international meet like Perth, Australia (2029), Fukuoka, Japan (2027),  there are local and other BC and Canadian swimmers competing all over the place. Reach out and let's connect you!

100 x 100 meter challenge 

Ring in the New Year with a nice long swim. 100 x 100 meters is a traditional swim set done between Christmas and New Years. Often done as a fundraiser this highly social practice ends in a POTLUCK on site! Some swim it solo, others team up in relays of 2, 4 or more. Do what works for you - THIS IS MASTERS!!!

What do you use to count when you swim 10km annual challenge in a pool?

The 100 x 100 event is used as a fundraiser. Some people count with water proof toys, blocks, while others count wiht looneis and toonies and donate them afterwards. 

On the Lake

This section includes things that are not "run" by the city as a part of Masters, but you'll see the same familiar faces! So if any of these seem like fun to you, just ask around the group. There are sure to be one or two or twenty other friends planning to go!

Winter Cold Plunge

Many Masters swimmers participate in cold plunge groups out of Kal beach, (Vernon) and Pebble beach (Lake Country). Whether for pain, inflammation, faster recovery, or as a personal challenge... There is a lot of literature talking about the benefits of safe, controlled cold exposure.

For safety, plunging with peers is best. Remember, this is not a competition, and you should start slow until you know how your body responds. One day can be very different from the next in conditions and inside your body. It's also ok to join in from the shore and stay dry. The company is just as good either way.

Ice Mile training

Is competing in an ice mile a personal goal? You will find swimmers willing to join you, especially out of the Lake Country cold plunge group. 

Summer Lake Races

Have you explored the Across the Lake Swim site yet? Get acquainted with the various distances to race, or reach out to volunteer as a support person!

Summer lake side swims

Find your way to the waters edge... Okanagan and  Kal offer many entry points . Kin beach, Paddle Wheel Park, Kennedy Lane beach access, Hurlburt Park, Ellison Park are off of Okanagan.

Pumphouse beach, Kal beach, Juniper beach, Jade beach, Sovereign park and beach, Kekuli launch. If you want a longer hike in, Cousins Bay is also an option. 

Swim the length of Kal (or part)

You can switch it up and bike/swim along the rail trail corridor, or swim with a boat/kayak or canoe crew who switches out with relief coming  in a Kekuli or other rail trail access points. 

Wood lake attaches through a narrow and shallow canal to connect Kal lake and hosts a number of delicious options from pizza to tacos, wraps, burgers, poutine or  French fries. After a long swim (like the length of Kal) it's exactly what your tired body ordered!

Distance open water training

The lake is peaceful at night. some swimmers need to train for longer races that start or end at night, so if you want a buddy, there are likely some around who would be happy to join!

Fall night swim

Starting from Kal beach we swim out to Pump house beach (about 800 meters)  and "try" not to run aground or hit a dock along the way! Always a good time. Wetsuit or skins,(non wetsuit) all are welcome to this challenging training swim.  

Want to join in the fun but not swim? No problem!

Safety paddlers are ALWAYS needed and appreciated! So are brave soles willing to hold a flashlight or beacon for us to see our way back home! Hot drinks all around as we exit the water and say goodbye to a summer lake swim season.

Fall Witches Paddle

It's not our event, but many of us join the Halloween Witches paddle out of Kal beach. Hats, broom sticks even skeletons have been known to be seen aboard SUPs... come join the fun!!

Open water crowds

You may find you'll have lots of little helpers join you in your open water endeavors aroudn these parts!

Mike's Lake Blog

4 letter words

10 May 2025 22:38

5 of us ventured out this morning to an absolutely stunning swim.  Glass water that was 17-18C, air temp was 18 as well when we arrived.  Definitely some pollen in the water already, but all of us were more than happy to head out and do a proper lap to dog beach.  On the way back Darin was getting quite agitated when he saw a boat that was in our lake.  This became the first 4 letter word of the day (BOAT).  Once we were back to Rattlesnake Point and busy yacking and just enjoying the sunshine and glassy waters we noticed that we could see 6, yes 6 boats in the lake.  Of all the nerve.  Then I noticed a fish jump much to Kylie's dismay.  This became the second 4 letter word (FISH).  Probably wouldn't have been such an issue, but she wore her very patriotic Canada suit today instead of her cat suit that repels fish.  At least there were no sightings of the famous Kal lake monster, the Alkamalka.  Once we got back to shore and continued to splash around and play, not wanting the experience to end, we decided there was one more 4 letter word in Mike's honour.  BACK, as he's currently an invilid stuck at home.  About the only time Mike has missed multiple workouts in a row is when he's out of the country.  Get well soon Mike.  Thankfully he was willing to entrust me with the sacred thermometer so I could get the stats for the group.  I promise I'll keep it safe Mike and guard it from any kids trying to run off with it.

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Comments

Pam johnson
3 months ago

Can you please confirm what time masters swim practice is on Sunday morning May 11th. I was given different info. Thank you. I am a guest swimmer from OMSC with my swim BC ID. Thanks again.
Pam

Officiating

Officiate in a meet

Running a meet takes a village. Get a front row seat watching the Summer Macintosh's of tomorrow develop from the grassroots!

Volunteers make any competition happen. The swimming community's dedication allows competitors to fully realize their potential in the sport. 

Are you ready to get involved? 

Training clinics are free and available locally or by zoom. 

"Across The Lake" races

Do you want to support your peers swimming in the Kalamalka Lake open water race? Consider volunteering on land or as a water support person! A great event to be a part of and Alexanders Pub is steps away on the side of the lake, ready to celebrate everyone's successes!

Take a course with Swimming Canada

Expand your skill set as an official! 

Learn about Swimming Canada's Officiating Pathway here

Robynne Ouchi is the official administrator of Vernon Masters. Reach out in the contact us section and inquire about how we can support you getting involved and into a course!

Access a province wide officials network

Would you like to be added to an officiating resource designed to connect you to training, mentors, and meets throughout the province to help you learn and grow?

We are in the development stage of a resource that can offer forum access to other officials and teams looking for officials local to the Okanagan and, potentially, throughout the province.

Send us a message in the contact us if you would like to be added and connect with this community.

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