Ask a dozen people whether they would ever swim in the Gorge Waterway, and a majority will likely react with an unequivocal: no way.

Whether warranted or not, the GorgeB次元官网网址檚 polluted reputation from decades past continues to dog the narrow ocean inlet that winds through three municipalities.

Of course, the Gorge has its defenders, who argue its waters are some of the warmest in the region. In August, the temperature has been recorded at 24 C. Contrary to popular opinion, they also claim the water is cleaner than the popular swimming beach at Elk Lake.

If true, it begs the question: are Victorians bypassing paradise in their own backyard as they drive to the outskirts of Saanich and the West Shore for a dip on a hot summerB次元官网网址檚 day?

The B次元官网网址測uckB次元官网网址� response is an attitude organizers of an upcoming swimming event hope to challenge.

B次元官网网址淲e have this wonderful waterway in our community that used to be a wonderful swimming hole,B次元官网网址� said Jack Meredith, a board member of the Vic West Community Association. B次元官网网址淚t would be a wonderful thing to celebrate on the (City of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚) 150th anniversary.B次元官网网址�

The idea has caught on, winning buy-in from community groups in Victoria, Saanich and Esquimalt. On Aug. 12, three swimming parties will kick off simultaneously on beaches in all three municipalities. The goal is to attract the masses back to the once-beloved swimming mecca that lured thousands to its shores for water sports, swimming lessons, championships and just splashing about.

B次元官网网址淓verybody we talked to is enthusiastic about having the glory days of the Gorge brought back,B次元官网网址� Meredith said.

The response suggests there is an undercurrent of people ready and waiting to embrace the Gorge as a place for more than rowing, paddling and other boating.

B次元官网网址淚t is the best swimming water in Victoria and nobody knows that,B次元官网网址� said John Sanderson, who grew up listening to his mother tell stories about swimming in the Gorge in the 1920s.

Sanderson, a board member of the Burnside-Gorge Community Association, is helping to organize the event.

B次元官网网址淥nce people experience it as a swimming place, it becomes special. And once itB次元官网网址檚 special, itB次元官网网址檚 cared for and admired and loved.B次元官网网址�

A major clean-up effort in the 1990s has vastly improved water quality. Septic systems draining into the Gorge were removed and annual volunteer efforts see garbage hauled away from its shorelines.

Today, water quality studies are limited, but seem to indicate the Gorge is safe to swim in.

B次元官网网址淭he water quality at the one beach we do sample is very good,B次元官网网址� said Erwin Dyck, Vancouver Island Health AuthorityB次元官网网址檚 supervisor of health protection.

B次元官网网址淏ecause there is quite a bit of tidal flushing through there, we wouldnB次元官网网址檛 expect the numbers would be dramatically different from one end to the other, but frankly we donB次元官网网址檛 have that kind of information along the full length of the Gorge at this point.B次元官网网址�

During swimming season, VIHA takes monthly water samples at Kosapsom Park, near Admirals Road.

More beaches could soon be added to the monitoring list soon.

B次元官网网址淚t might be useful for us to do a little more sampling at some of the park areas. It is something we are reviewing this year anyways,B次元官网网址� Dyck said.

The health authority tests levels of fecal coliforms in the water, due mainly to geese and other animal waste, he said. The Capital Regional District tests for other storm water contaminants, such as metals and nutrients.

Before the big swim day in August, event organizers are partnering with other organizations for more thorough inspections of the water at multiple points.

Meanwhile, theyB次元官网网址檙e looking for volunteers and ideas for fun ways to celebrate Swim the Gorge Day.

ItB次元官网网址檚 been almost a decade since the last organized swimming event on the waterway. That gathering featured swimming competitions and attracted world-class athletes.

This yearB次元官网网址檚 focus will be on fun, with music, a barbecue and prizes for people who take the plunge.

B次元官网网址淚f you get your hair wet, then youB次元官网网址檝e swam,B次元官网网址� said Meredith.

rholmen@vicnews.com