As some of you might suspect, I love lighthouses. Harkens back to my sailing days. No, that’s not true… it’s the PYM in me. Point is, at Fintry on Lake Okanagan, where Tess’ family frequents every summer for the last 30+ years and my family visited last week, there is a lighthouse. Not a terribly large one but nonetheless protects water vessels from the perils of the shore. The structure has a lower platform that rises roughly two to three meters out of the water depending on the water level. From the lower platform to the top is another four meters. On many summers I have jumped off the top of the Fintry Lighthouse, plunging roughly six to seven meters down into the water. On even more occasions I have jumped from the lower platform – only three meters but still a thrill. For many, jumping from the lighthouse is a rite of passage that signifies a degree of bond with Fintry.

Sebastian jumped from the lower platform. Yes, it WAS amazing.

A group of us managed our way by land or sea to our green and white friend. After a while I started waltzing my way through the water to the lighthouse. Sebastian followed, quickly turning back due to the chilly water. I made my first jump from the lower platform and my brother-in-law, Keith, followed a few minutes later. Sebastian watched from the beach and as I started climbing he yelled out that he wanted to jump from the lighthouse. I didn’t really believe him. Not only would he have to climb the ladder he would also have to look down ten feet to the water. I was certain at some point he would turn back. I was already on the lower platform so Keith and my sister Carolyn helped Sebastian to the ladder. Keith helped Seb climb up and the little trooper made it up the ladder.

Holding Seb’s hand we walked around to the far side of the lighthouse where the water is deepest and safest for jumping. I could tell Seb was beginning to get nervous about the leap. I also knew that I could not hold him in my arms on the way down. Last summer we jumped into a pool together. The resulting force of water created by my jumping into the water – to which Seb in my arms was a full party to – scared Sebastian so much that he wouldn’t jump in a pool for almost six months. I carefully reminded Seb that being in my arms would scare him. The best thing for us to do was hold hands and jump off together. In his own little way he agreed.

We had a practice session where we counted to three and pretended to jump. Then the moment was upon us. Holding one of his hands, and the other hand against Seb’s back to insure he jumped properly and clear of the structure, we counted again… one… Two… THREE…! Over the edge we went and into the water we dropped. I quickly surfaced to see Sebastian spinning around towards me. As everyone screamed and shouted with excitement I exclaimed, “Sebastian, you did it, you jumped from the lighthouse!”

“Too cold, too cold!” he replied. We swam back to shore but I am sure he’ll be back for another jump in August.