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Thank you for making a huge splash for small swimmers!

We are so grateful for everyone who jumped in to make a splash and support swim lessons for kids on Saturday, August 9, 2025! All funds raised by our 1st Annual Make a Splash fundraising event will directly support the YMCA Okanagan Swims program, ensuring every third-grade child in School District 23 has access to free essential swim lessons and water safety training. Be proud of the impact you've made—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.

Learn about YMCA Okanagan Swims

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Total Raised So Far

Thanks to your support, we've made great progress toward funding the YMCA Okanagan Swims program for a year!

We're in the final counting process. You may still support this program by donating to the Y, but it will no longer be counted as part of the event total.

$57,400 Goal
$42,415 Raised

The fundraising total above was last updated on August 11, 2025.

This thermometer was created with the help of Funraise.

Lazy River Duck Race

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

  • Thanks to everyone who adopted a duck! ($25 per duck)
  • The ducks raced on August 9 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. amongst a raft of other ducks, bobbing around the H2O lazy river towards the finish line.
  • Ducks were divided into qualifying heats.
  • The first three ducks to cross the finish line of each heat entered the Lucky Duck Final Race.
  • The last three ducks to cross the finish line of each heat entered the Chill Zone Final Race.
  • Each duck was marked with a number that corresponds to the person who adopted it.
  • Those who adopted the Champion Lucky Duck and the Most Chill Duck have been contacted to arrange prize pick-up.
    • 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.

Cannonball Competition

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC faced off against Stober Group to see who can make the biggest, funniest cannonball!

  • Two teams of six competed head-to-head at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre on August 9 from 1–2 p.m.
  • Local celebrity judges gave each cannonball a score out of ten.
  • The two teams competed 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.

See final voting results

Outdoor BBQ

A barbeque was available by donation for members, guests, and anyone who dropped 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 pool area will be open as per the H2O pool schedule with the following exceptions:
    • Lazy River—closed from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Wave Pool—open as usual, but waves will be shut off from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (to avoid the waves affecting the duck races).
    • Diving boards—closed from 12–2 p.m.
  • Those who are supporting the event—through adopting a duck, voting for a cannonball team, or donating at the door—will be granted access to the facility at no extra charge.
  • Those who are not supporting the event will need to scan their membership card or 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 have been contacted to 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?

Yes, you can get a charitable tax receipt for voting for a team in the cannonball competition.