Devilrays host their Annual Long Course Outdoor Invitational Swim Meet - 900 show up

By Pepper Parr

June 19^th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

It was the start of the summer competitive swimming season in Burlington that included close to 900 swimmers from across the province.

The weather was perfect, and the swimmers were ready for what was ahead.

The Nelson Pool is ready for Swimmers to begin their warm-up laps.

The event was the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays Long Course Outdoor Invitational.

Parents are in the stands and race officials getting ready for the swim meet to start.

There were eight racing events that ranged from girls and boys 11 and under doing free style, breast stroke and back stroke.  There were races that had eight-year-old swimmers competing against 11 year olds.

The afternoon started with warm ups and then the races.

As each race was ready to start the swimmers were called to a marshalling area where they were assigned the lane they would be swimming in

People keeping the time of each race and ensuring that the swimmer touches the wall of the pool at the finish.  There were a number of races that were very very tight.

While the swimmers waited to be called to the marshaling area the lounged about chatting with friends and eating crackers and fruit.

There were all kinds of beverages to drink – the swimmers and the parents watching their children perform were going to be well hydrated.

Summer – the kids with their friends, while Mom enjoys a good book.

Whatever it was, they both wanted to know.

Some parents used the occasion to enjoy the day with a good book, while others were tightly engaged with their children.

There was never a sense of great excitement. Children were there to compete and be with friends, with parents on hand to watch

Swimmers gather around the marshaling table to learn which lane they will swim in.

Swimmers gather in groups waiting for their turn to go to the marshalling table.

The event ran for three days and will wrap up on Sunday.

Emma N with one of the early Gold medals.

Warming coats are almost fashion statements.

Given the rate at which they burn energy, the swimmers are eating throughout the meet.

Burlington will be a busy city today.  The competitive swimming will keep people at the Nelson pool, the Lakeshore Music Festival will keep thousands at Spencer Smith Park for the inaugural event.

Some will find their way to the streets of the city to watch the summer parade.

Summer in the city with sunshine and some clouds – but no rain predicted.