Swimming across Lake Annecy

Swim across Lake Annecy competition 2011 - France

Newfoundland rescue dog in Annecy, French AlpsSome 597 swimmers braved the unusually chilly water of Lake Annecy, surrounded by the French Alps, yesterday to complete a 2,400-metre race. Registration was somewhat subdued, with rain dolloping down, but the clouds cleared and the race finished with blue skies and hot sun. A few extra participants weren’t timed — the life guards. Pictured is one of many huge Newfoundland rescue dogs who swim the race with a life guard and save people who look like they’re starting to drown. Thankfully, we didn’t see anyone drowning on the day, and the dogs seemed to be in more photos at the end of the race than the racers. The winner was Damien Cattin-Vidal in just 27 minutes and 43 seconds. My two friends came in at just over an hour with many of other breast-strokers, while the last person finished in just under 1 hour and 45 minutes. Well done to everyone!

About

I'm a technical author, journalist and writer from Australia who has been living in Europe since 2000 and exploring the world from there. My passions are writing, snow sports and travel.

2 Comments on “Swimming across Lake Annecy

  1. Cold? Cold? I swum several times in Lake Annecy last week & it was like a warm bath compared to the English Channel which is my usual outdoor swim! 😀