No Swim the Snake

LYONS FERRY – The eighth annual SWIM the SNAKE, originally planned for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, is another recreational event falling by the wayside this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is sponsored by the Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and Waitsburg’s Commercial Club.

Event organizers, federal and state partners, the Port of Columbia and Lyons Ferry Marina staff recognize Washington’s Safe Start program for Coronavirus and its restrictions for gatherings, social distancing and Phasing for county openings and events.

Franklin County (and Washington State) is currently grappling with an increase in COVID-19 cases. As a result, Washington State Parks (one of the partners) is unable to issue a special event permit for use of Lyons Ferry State Park. The park has traditionally been the end point of the paddling event and beginning of the open water swim. Participants cross Lake Bryan on the Snake River, a distance of approximately 0.7 mile.

Organizers look forward to offering this fun, family paddle and open water swim on August 14, 2021.