History of the Mile Swim 

Beginning in 1921 and under the auspices of the Stony Lake Cottagers Association, The Stony Lake Aquatic Association ran the Juniper Island Regattas. Their papers include the regatta’s financial records and race results. Although a long distance swim around Juniper Island was suggested in 1924, it wasn’t until 1925 that a race called “Swim From Lech’s Island” first appeared. Open to all amateurs, male or female, it had 12 entries (4 women and 8 men) and followed a southerly course to finish at Juniper. While his time is not listed, the race and the Mrs. G.K. Fraser Cup, was won by Don Fitzgerald who had just finished paddling in the long distance canoe race around Juniper. The following year, F. Van Natta won the race in a time of 20 minutes and 25 seconds.

In 1929, the race’s more familiar name was coined; it was called the “Kawartha Lakes Championship Mile Swim” and was held for the first time on a separate day. Although measured in 1927 to be a distance of 1,217 yards, the distance falls some 500 yards short of a real mile. However, the effect of winds and lake currents as well as the difficulty in swimming straight over such a prolonged distance means that the race is likely very close to a mile. It is not unusual on very windy race days for swimmers to drift west of Plum Pudding Island and then swim in from there. Beginning in 1930, a separate Men’s and a Women’s Championship Mile Swim is first mentioned. Headwinds must have been strong that year as race times are a slower 36 minutes for winner Don Fitzgerald and 42 minutes for the first women’s champion, Ruth Sutton. It was often Cyril Lech of Lech Island who was involved with the organizing and running of the race. He was very interested in teaching swimming to enhance safety while at the lake, although ironically, his wife Mina never learned to swim.

The race quickly gained in popularity and the 1963 “Dear Cottager” letter to ASLC Members mentions that it had, “over a hundred entries last year. This Swim is becoming famous in Ontario.” The event is started from the Juniper dock, finishes north at Lech Island and every swimmer must have a spotter in a canoe, kayak or skiff. Swimmers range in age from as young as 5 to into their 80s and immediately following in the pavillion, all participants are awarded with a badge as their time is announced. Winners in several children’s and adult categories receive a trophy, the Corner Trophies to the youngest boy and youngest girl to compete, a special decanter Grandfather Trophy and a “Nannie” Trophy constructed of tin cans as well. In 1974, the Swim was moved from Saturday to the Sunday of the August Civic Holiday weekend in an attempt to avoid conflict with the Crowe’s Landing Regatta traditionally held that day. Although a few objections were raised as the new schedule conflicted with services as St. Peter’s, it has been held on this day for the past 35 years.

Today, the race is known as the William Lech Memorial Mile Swim , a tribute by the cottagers’ association to Bill Lech who continued to organize the event until his death in 1991. The Lech and Corner families, along with their many friends, carry on this Ston(e)y Lake tradition and act as the day’s timers, recorders and prize presenters. The lake community has benefited greatly from their continued generosity.

In 2025, the ASLC awarded the Blue Heron Award to the Lech family in recognition of their outstanding commitment to organizing and running the swim for the lake community. 

Sue Dutton
The Lake Museum Curator