It was clear blue skies for the second annual Williams Lake Blue Fins Smoke on the Water open water swim races at Chimney Lake Sunday morning.
Seventeen swimmers took to the frigid water.
First overall in the 750-metre swim was Olivia Therrien in 12:44. First in the 1,500-metre swim was Geneva Gordon in 33:33, and first overall in the 3,000-metre swim was Walter Rees with a time of 60:52.
Four of the 17 swimmers were returning swimmers from last year’s event. Rees, Maia Vitoratos, Abbi Taylor and Gordon swam last year while two Quesnel swimmers, Therrien and Rachelle Ekeli, and one 100 Mile House swimmer, Troy Monkman, took part in the event.
The Russell family had five swimmers in the water with Bryden, Bridget, Marlie, David and Johnny all swimming.
There were also two mother, daughter duos in the swim — Mandie and Madison Blusson and Martine Cyr and Maia Vitoratos.
Other results from the race are as follows:
750 metres 12 and under first, Madison Blusson; second, Maia Vitoratos; 750 metres 12 and under male first, Johnny Russell; 13-15 female first, Olivia Therrien; 21-30 female first, Rachelle Ekeli; 21-30 male first, Bryden Russell; 1,500 metre 12 and under male first, David Russell; 13-15 female first, Gordon; 13-15 female second, Marlie Russell; 16-20 female first, Abbi Taylor; 16-20 female second, Bridget Russell; 31-40 female first, Mandie Blusson; 41-50 male first, Troy Monkman.
The Blue Fins swim club would like to thank the volunteers who were on the water with the swimmers assuring their safety and on land helping with organizing and timing. Next up for the Blue Fins will be registration and the start of the 2011/12 season in September.
For more about the Williams Lake Blue Fins including 2011/12 season sign up information contact Marilyn Haines at 250-392-2987 or visit www.wlbluefins.com or e-mail bluefins@live.com.