Swimming to the island has been a storied feat around the Bayfield area for decades. Starting with the Ojibwa, individuals of all levels of athletic skill have swum across the channel to LaPointe on Madeline Island.
     In 2006, the Friends of the Recreation Center sponsored a community swim where 23 of 24 people made it across on a day with flat water and sun, raising $6000 for the local swimming pool.  The race has grown every year, to 220 entrants in 2009.  Swimmers have encountered all of Lake Superior's moods over the years, from calm, flat water to 15-20 mile per hour crosswinds and 2 foot waves.  Great fun is always had by all and we look forward to the further expansion of the event.  This event is a fundraiser for our local pool and rec center, raising $15,000 last year.
The fastest known time from shore to shore was set by Bryan Carlson, Edina, MN   43:24.5 in 2011.

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