Here are some of the questions we get asked every year, and some simple answers to help you get ready for the water.
Yes! We require you to be able to swim at least 500m comfortably in a pool to join, then we will teach you all about open water swimming and how to do it safely and enjoyably!
Yes! This is the right place for you. A very large percentage of our swimmers are triathletes. From newbies to ones that have competed at the Ironman World Championships, and everywhere in between.
We always start the first Saturday in June, and run usually until mid-September, weather depending.
Usually not. In the first 20 years we've only ever cancelled it once! We only need a short window of decent weather and almost always get it!
This is one where there is a small amount of truth that gets blown way out of proportion. Back in the 1980's and earlier the environmental laws weren't as strict and the Lake probably was polluted in the '50's, '60's and '70's. However things have improved dramatically since then, to the point that it isn't really an issue.
Again, there is some truth to this, but take the notices with a grain of salt. The water is tested and posted once a week (usually on Tuesdays on LOST Beach), and as we all know the conditions can change fast.
Yes! In fact it is one of the best places to swim in the world. However there is an asterisk to that: *it depends where you swim.
Yes it is. Sorry. But when it is cold, it is also clean. And you get used to it.
No, we are a non-profit organization and 100% volunteer run!
Absolutely. We love to have extra kayakers out on the water, just to act as spotters. We have kayaks and SUP's that you are welcome to use to spot. (However, they aren't just to watch one person).
Yes! On-land volunteers and on-water volunteers. And yes, high school kids can get their volunteer hours here too.
Yes. Period. LOST Swimming pioneered the use of tow buoys and they are now the norm in any open water swim or race (you should question it if they aren't mandatory?!)
We have tow buoys available at LOST Beach for sale. You can buy them on the website or at LOST Beach.
By far our favorite is if you pick it up at LOST Beach on a Saturday in the summer.
If you absolutely can't get here, we'll mail it to you. We just charge the mailing cost, whatever that may be. You can buy it on our website or you can pay cash or e-transfer too. Either way you pick it up at LOST Beach.
Nope. But you probably will want to. At least until you become acclimatized, but it's fine to start without one and see how you do.
I've owned lots of wetsuits and none of them are indestructible, you get a few years out them if you take good care of them, so keep that in mind. I've never found that an expensive one is faster or better than a less expensive one.
The biggest difference is if you get a "sleeveless" or "full body" wetsuit. If you are a good swimmer (ie swam competitively) you would probably enjoy the sleeveless, but if you prefer the extra warmth, get the full body wetsuit. The thickness doesn't matter. But don't get a surfing or scuba diving wetsuit, they are not made to swim in and don't have the flexibility to swim properly. Get an open water or triathlon wetsuit.
You can buy them:
Yes. Our insurance requires it. Well, just a lower limit. Our oldest active LOSTie is 82.
We've been going for coffee together for longer than most of the coffee shops in Oakville have been around, so it depends. But we find ones up on Lakeshore, usually the 3-4 that are side by side, so we can take them all over! (e.g. Second Cup, Starbucks, Pilot Coffee, Nadege, etc.)
Nobody cares how fast you are. As long as you can swim enough to swim safely (for at least 500m continuously) then you are fast enough.
We have a few Olympians, marathon swimmers who have done major swims all over the world, Ironmen and triathletes, Masters swimmers, current and former NCAA and Canadian college swimmers... and a ton of people who don't give a crap about competing and just want to go for a nice Saturday morning swim in the Lake with some buddies. Nobody cares. Just come out and have fun.
Generally about an hour, from 8-9 AM.
You can swim "loops" or "out-and-back". Swim as many loops as you want, 1 or 20. Nobody cares. Out and Back are generally for more experienced swimmers as they often go for 3-5k. If you are doing an Out and Back, you must swim with at least 1 other person for safety.
Yes. Check in on the clipboard when you arrive... and check out before you leave! This is one of our many mandatory safety protocols, so we know you got back safely too.
Yes. It is located in the LOST Shack, to the right when you open the door.
Fortunately we've never had to use it... but it was donated by the brother of a runner who had a heart attack and was saved by a LOSTie during the Hamilton Marathon.
Yes, use your head. We set the standard for open water safety... but ultimately, we can't be there all the time, and there is a certain amount of risk inherent in open water swimming, so ultimately you are responsible for yourself.
There is a reason that we swim parallel to the shore, so if you are not feeling great, just get out. Swim to shore and walk back. It's not a race. Live to swim another day.
Yes, but just street parking throughout the neighborhood. Just park and walk towards the water, you'll see 100 other people doing the same and can point you in the right direction.
Bathrooms - yes. A nice new blue bathroom building in the park, a bit away from the water.
Changerooms - no. Do whatever you want. Most people just "deck change" on the beach.
Leave it on the beach. I can't guarantee anything, but on Saturday mornings we are about the only people there and there are always a few LOSTies on the beach watching anyway. We've never had anything stolen in 20 years.
No, our insurance requires everyone be a registered member. But it is also only $45 for the whole season!
Having said that, we do have "1 day - International Guest Pass", but you guessed it, just for International Guests. We love having swimmers from all over the world come and join us!