CASCADE - As the sun broke over the southern shore of Owasco Lake and a fine early morning mist dissipated, 75 swimmers took to the water around Indian Cove for the fifth annual Swim Owasco.

The swim began as a means for the Lake Front Owners Association to draw attention to the incredible resource that is Owasco Lake.

“We meet and have speakers,” said Judy LeFever, a member of the association and co-organizer of the swim along with Pamela Sullivan. “When we started the lake group we decided to start this to make people more aware of what is going on with the lake and how there are weeds now and algae like there never has been before. This is to help draw attention to that and also to get people out to have fun swimming and just enjoy the lake.”

The one-mile swim takes participants from Indian Cove to the docks of the Cascade Grill.

“It isn't competitive,” LeFever said. “We don't keep track of who comes in first or last, it is really just a way to have some fun and for swimmers young or old or as groups like the swim teams to get together and enjoy the lake.”

LeFever said that the first year the swim drew around 50 swimmers and the numbers have risen every year since, drawing some dedicated swimmers every year from all over central New York and beyond.

“This is my third year,” Brett Ryan, 13, of Auburn, said. “My grandma swam in it and so I wanted to get out and swim with my family and get some exercise, it is a lot of fun.”

Others like Amanda Ranttila, of Vermont, made their race debut this year as a part of their vacation on Owasco Lake.

“I'm visiting some friends,” Ranttila, 15, said. “We're on the swim team so we thought this would be fun. I thought it was going to be a lot colder, but once I jumped in it was OK. It was really cool I've never done a swim like this before, it is a lot different than in a pool, the waves can really throw you off, but it is a lot of.”

For many who grew up on or around Owasco Lake, swimming the mile or so from one shore to the other has been a rite of passage.

In many ways, the swim embodies and keeps that tradition alive, drawing together families who take the plunge together.

“This is my third year,” Heather Burhans, 15, said. “I swim with my grandmother, Joan Calder, who is from Niles and my mom Jeannette. They are usually behind me, but we have a lot of fun doing this together.”

LeFever said that while the race is non-competitive, it is still something many swimmers take seriously.

“A lot of swim team members jump in and see how fast they can go,” LeFever said. “They try to get their personal best, but really it is geared towards everyone to take the swim in their own time and have fun.”

Even with this in mind, a fast finish was a proud accomplishment for many swimmers.

“I didn't expect to do this well,” said Heather McManigle, 15, who was also visiting from Vermont. “I guess you could just call it beginners luck.”

If one of the swim's most important goals is to draw attention to Owasco Lake, than this year certainly succeeded.

“I've never been to Owasco Lake before,” said Sue Redding, of Seneca Lake. “A friend told me about this and thought it would be a lot of fun. It is really beautiful here and I will definitely be back again.”