Flip, flop, fly at Edmonds pool

EDMONDS — Diving instructors, beware: The 37 participants in the annual Cannon Ball and Belly Flop contest held last Friday at the city’s outdoor Yost Pool went against everything you teach.

But don’t tell the contestants.

For them, and the large group of spectators who witnessed it, the 90-minute event was, by all accounts, lots of fun.

Belly flops are typically dives to avoid. They’re considered mistakes that happen when divers hit the water belly — rather than head — first.

Cannon balls happen when divers strike the water after wrapping themselves up in a ball.

Needless to say, there was a lot of splashing, reports Ingrid Peterson, a Yost Pool employee.

“Everyone had two attempts in the belly flop and cannon ball,” Peterson said.

Contestants, who paid $5 for the privilege, ranged from young children as young as age 5 to adults.

Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in four age group divisions: ages 5-9, ages 10-2, ages 13-15 and 16 and up.

Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429; ohalpert@heraldnet.com.