"I get cheerleaders now, I really do," said Wiltermuth after her swim across Loon Lake a few weeks ago. A boatload of friends and family members including her mother Pat Bullock joined her in the middle of the lake, about halfway through the swim. They encouraged her on from the boat and some jumped into the water and swam with her for a while.
Shelley Keyes, a former Maidstone resident and the one who introduced Wiltermuth to life guarding and instructing in 1987 was also on hand for the swim. Keyes rode part way in the rescue boat and swam part way.
As Wiltermuth trained she was sometimes joined by tri-athlete Kathy Sheppard who would wear a special wetsuit with sleeves streamlined for extra mobility during swimming. The Sheppard family surprised Wiltermuth with a donation to her project. She said it made a big difference to her comfort level during the swim. She is also very grateful to sponsors from both her Maidstone and Loon Lake communities who together donated about $4,000 for the Lifesaving Society.
"The last mile was hard, but I could see the shore," said Wiltermuth who made the 8km or 5 mile swim across Loon Lake in just under four hours. She said the wind really picked up during the last couple of kilometres and she was getting cold. She had asked neighbours at the lake with internet access about the forecast all week and chose Thursday based on the forecasts and the availability of friends and family members. The weather held just long enough for her to be resting in the cabin before a thunderstorm broke later in the afternoon.
Wiltermuth swam from Pine Cove to Makwa Beach, all the way across Loon Lake to raise awareness along with the cash during Drowning Prevention Week.
The Lifesaving Society reports that in the last month eight people have drowned in Saskatchewan. "We want to spread the message of water safety to everyone this summer, whether or not they plan to be at the lake or pool. In fact statistics show that the majority of people who drown have no intention of going in the water," said Shelby Rushton, CEO of the Lifesaving Society.
The society's statistics also show drowning to be the second leading cause of accidental death in Canada for children under 10 with the summer being the most dangerous. Saskatchewan statistics show adult males to be at the greatest risk. Approximately 500 people die each year with an average of 20 deaths in this province. "The Lifesaving Society encourages everyone to follow safety guidelines while in and around water this summer. Remember to wear a lifejacket, to swim with a friend, to supervise children and to keep boating and drinking alcohol apart," said Rushton.
"I wanted to do it in the lake because the lake is where you are at risk," said Wiltermuth who did a great thing for a great cause.
