The Lake
This photo was taken in 1917 from the School dock looking out at the bay with the diving tower (barely) visible in the background. The floating diving tower belonged to the King family, who lived on the point, and graciously allowed the students to use it. While this photo showcases sailing, the lake has hosted a variety of activities over the years, serving competitive, recreational, and social purposes.
By 1928, Lonsdale wrote that the School possessed "6 boats useful for rowing and elementary sailing, and four boats of an excellent type for sailing only." Early students recall collecting pine cone "ammunition" for "battles" from the sailboats. Others recall races to the small islands. When Strathcona Lodge School opened in 1927, the sailboats proved to be a perfect way for the Shawnigan boys to rendezvous with the Strathcona girls. For many years the School had a competitive sailing team with a fleet of Laser sailboats, led by Rolf Grass and, later, John Sarsfield.
In the 1930s and 1940s the School had a number of "cutters," large rowing boats that accommodated five pairs of boys sitting side-by-side, plus a coxswain or coach. Rowing continues to thrive on the lake.
Over the years, anglers fished for trout and in the earlier years, the cooks were happy to cook anything that was caught. On more than one occasion, the lake froze solid enough to allow ice skating.
More recently, as part of the Outdoors Club and Search and Rescue Activity, canoeing and kayaking have become popular. As a recreational pastime, paddleboards drift around the bay.
While many of the water activities have changed over the years, the one constant is swimming. From 1916 till now, all students have had to take a swimming test during the first week of school to assess their safety – a testament to the importance of the lake for a Shawnigan student.
In C. W. Lonsdale's words, Shawnigan Lake is “a very popular source of amusement and instruction.” Swimming, sailing, rowing, fishing, skating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and rendezvousing – such a variety of activities enjoyed by students over the years on the School’s watery playground.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
