The annual Ocean Mile Swim is set to make a big splash again this coming Sunday, Aug. 21.
The event has been staged by the Town of Qualicum Beach in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) for over 60 years at the waterfront located next to the Shore Restaurant. It will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m.
There are 14 award categories participants can aim for. Registration is on the day of the race. The swim will start at 3 p.m.
Coun. Anne Skipsey raised some concerns about the way the race is structured. She told council at the town’s Aug. 10 regular meeting that she was informed men and women are being grouped together in almost every category.
“It isn’t much incentive for women to participate because most often they are beaten out,” said Skipsey.
READ MORE: Competitors make a splash at Qualicum Beach Ocean Mile Swim
Skipsey indicated there was an offer by someone to donate a trophy for the first woman to finish in the senior category. She asked council for input.
Coun. Teunis Westbroek said he has taken part in the Ocean Mile Swim more than 10 times and in every occasion, he pointed, there were women that passed him.
“I don’t know what’s going on there,” said Westbroek. “But you are right, they are lumped together but you’d be surprised how many women win the trophies. I mean, we’ve been there a couple of times. I’ve been there for many, many years and I was impressed on how many times women actually take the big trophies. If there is one for the most senior I think we can always add one.”
Mayor Brian Wiese and Coun. Robert Filmer agreed that it’s not fair for the fastest men to compete against the women.
Skipsey plans to discuss the matter with RDN’s general manager recreation and parks Tom Osborne.