This summer, two friends and lake enthusiasts, Meredith resident Brenda Gallagher and Center Harbor resident Pam Halsey, took on a remarkable challenge: to swim around every swimmable island on Squam Lake. From July 11 through August 22, they swam twice a week, circled 29 islands, and covered a total of 18.79 miles.
Their effort was not only about personal accomplishment. Pam and Brenda dedicated their swims to raising awareness about the importance of protecting Squam’s water quality, supporting ongoing scientific research, and preserving critical loon habitat. Their adventure celebrated both the joy of swimming and the responsibility of stewardship.
Pam and Brenda were inspired by their past achievement of swimming around all eligible islands on Lake Winnipesaukee between 2015 and 2019. This summer, they turned their focus to Squam, with its 30 named islands. Since High Haith Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, it was excluded from their list.
They swam for a cause: to support the health of Squam Lake and to highlight the work of the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) and the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC). From funding water sediment and quality testing to protecting nesting loons, both organizations play a vital role in ensuring the lake remains healthy for generations to come.
Each swim brought new discoveries, both above and below the waterline. Early in their journey, they circled Groton and Carnes Islands, spotting loons moving gracefully between them. At Kimball Island, they marveled at clam beds and aquatic vegetation and watched an eagle soar overhead.
Their swims around Sheep and Mink Islands were followed by a paddle to Bowman Island, where they visited SLA-maintained campsites. At Kent Island, they spotted leopard frogs and sunfish nests, while their visit to Chocorua (Church) and Basin Islands included a stop at the open-air chapel before swimming the shorelines.
At Yard Island, they experienced breezy conditions and encountered the Marine Patrol, who reminded boaters that access to many islands is restricted to owners. At Otter Island, gulls took a particular interest in their snacks. On Birch, the swimmers noticed tilted trees shaped by wind, and beneath the surface, steep underwater slopes.
Mouse Island offered strikingly clear water, while Laurel and Duck revealed sediment patches and underwater murkiness. Moon Island was a highlight, with its sandy and rocky bottoms, sudden temperature changes, and four public beaches. After their swim, Pam and Brenda explored its trails and reflected on the history that brought Moon Island under SLA protection in 1986, ensuring its enjoyment by the public.
Great Island tested their resilience. A broken motor, leaking goggles, and even a flock of sunfish nibbling at their ankles added to the day’s challenges. Yet they pressed on, swimming 2.53 miles around the shoreline, listening to the call of a kingfisher, and appreciating the lake’s untouched underwater world.
Their final and longest swim was around Long Island, 2.6 miles in total. Although they were mindful of cyanobacteria conditions in the lake, clear skies, calm water, and cooler temperatures created the perfect setting for their last adventure. During a rest, Brenda found herself quietly observed by a loon floating nearby. Completing Long Island marked the end of their 18.79-mile journey.
Pam and Brenda’s success was made possible through the support of family, friends, and neighbors. Pam’s husband, Tony, provided their 1963 MFG boat, ensured it was ready for each swim, and often joined by kayak. Friends Susan and David Bunker ferried them to remote islands, while Tracey Olafsen helped secure parking close to Kent Island. Along the way, they enjoyed conversations with fellow lake-goers, often learning stories of the islands’ history.
Pam and Brenda have asked that any support inspired by their swims be directed to the Loon Preservation Committee, with gifts designated specifically for the Squam Lakes Loon Initiative, which works to protect and restore the lake’s loon population. Donate to the LPC HERE.
