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Make a big splash for small swimmers!

Jump in, make a splash, and support swim lessons for kids! This summer, please support the YMCA Okanagan Swims program to ensure every third-grade child in School District 23 has access to free essential swim lessons and water safety training. Drown-proofing saves lives for a lifetime.

Program delivery costs over $57,000 for the YMCA Okanagan Swims program each year, providing essential swimming skills to over 1,900 children. It takes just $25 to enroll a child in swim lessons that teach essential water safety skills. This vital program would not be possible without community donations and support. Your donation to the 1st Annual Make a Splash fundraising event will go directly to supporting this program.

Learn about YMCA Okanagan Swims

The Make a Splash event is on August 9 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. But we encourage you to show your support ahead of time by adopting a duck, voting for your favourite cannonball team, or making a donation.

Lazy River Duck Race

Adopt a duck. Watch it race. Save a life.

  • Adopt a duck (or multiple ducks) for $25 per duck. Adopt a duck online or visit one of our health and fitness centres. Ducks are limited—don't miss out!
  • Watch it race amongst a raft of ducks as they bob around the H2O lazy river towards the finish line.
    • Ducks will race from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
    • Ducks will be divided into qualifying heats.
    • The first three ducks to cross the finish line of each heat will enter the Lucky Duck Final Race.
    • The last three ducks to cross the finish line of each heat will enter the Chill Zone Final Race.
  • Prizes will be awarded for the Champion Lucky Duck and the Most Chill Duck.
    • Champion Lucky Duck: First duck across the finish line of the Lucky Duck Final Race.
    • Most Chill Duck: Last duck across the finish line of the Chill Zone Final Race.
    • Each duck will be marked with a number that corresponds to the person who adopted it. Prizes and contest details coming soon.

Adopt a duck

Cannonball Competition

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is facing off against Stober Group to see who can make the biggest, funniest cannonball! Vote for your favourite cannonballer as they jump in to make the Okanagan a safer place to splash around.

  • Two teams of six will compete head-to-head at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre from 1–2 p.m.
  • Local celebrity judges (to be announced) will give each cannonball a score out of ten.
  • The two teams will compete for the bragging rights of the following awards:
    • Judge's Choice Award for the team with the highest combined score
    • People's Choice Award for the team with the most votes
  • Every $25 donated counts as one vote.

Vote

Outdoor BBQ

Delicious food will be available by donation for members, guests, and anyone who drops by to watch the duck race and/or the cannonball competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Event

Do I need to attend the event on August 9 to support it or win a prize?

No, you don't need to be present at the event to adopt a duck or vote for your favourite cannon-baller. Though we welcome everyone who wants to join in the fun!

The winners of the duck race will be contacted after the event arrange for prize pick-up.

Why does voting or adopting a duck cost $25?

It costs approx. $25 per child each year to go through the YMCA Okanagan Swims Program.

Will the pool area be open to swim? Do I have to pay to enter?
  • The pools will be open as per the H2O pool schedule with exceptions. Some areas, like the Lazy River and Dive Tank, will be closed off for the event as needed.
  • Those who are not H2O members that adopt a duck or vote for cannonball team are granted a facilty drop-in for the day of the event.
  • H2O members are welcome to scan in as usual.
  • If you are not a member and have not adopted a duck or voted for a cannonball team, you will need to pay the facility drop-in fee as usual to access the facility.
  • Please be aware that everyone accessing the facility must show a membership card or photo ID to enter.
Will there be a separate entrance for event attendees?

Yes, event attendees will check-in with a staff member at the pool entrance beside Jugo Juice. Once you check in, you will be given a wristband that will identify you to the staff team.

Duck Race

Do I get to keep my duck?

No, in order to raise as much as possible for this event, the YMCA will need to keep the ducks to reuse next year.

Can I customize my duck or pick my duck's number?

No, currently there are no options to customize your duck.

We will be utilizing a random selection of the duck numbers which will be assigned to individuals shortly before the race.

How do I claim my prize for Champion Lucky Duck or Most Chill Duck?
  • The winners of the duck race will be contacted after the event arrange for prize pick-up.
  • All prizes must be picked up at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre (4075 Gordon Drive).
  • To qualify for the duck race, we recommend living in or near the Kelowna area. If you are unable to pick up your prize, we will choose someone else as the winner.
Can I get a charitable tax receipt for adopting a duck?
  • No, charitable tax receipts will not be provided for duck adoptions since you are entering the duck race contest which will award prizes.

Cannonball Competition

Can I participate in the Cannonball Competition?

For our first year, we have two teams competing in the cannonball challenge: the Stober Group and the YMCA Shine On Cannonballers (consisting of staff and volunteers).

We are not accepting new teams this year, but we may consider it in the future. For now, you can support the event by donating to your favourite team.

Can I get a charitable tax receipt if I vote by donating to the cannonball competition?