This beloved open water swimming event in the Pacific Northwest challenges participants to swim 1.76 miles across Lake Pend O'Reille, starting from the south end of Sandpoint's iconic Long Bridge and finishing at the north end. Since Eric Ridgway founded it in 1995 with just 78 swimmers, the event has exploded to over 800 participants, and it's always hosted the first Saturday in August with plenty of spectator viewing opportunities. Beyond the swim itself, the event supports an important cause—raising funds for swim lessons that help kids and adults throughout the Sandpoint area learn to safely enjoy the beautiful lake.