Organizers hope this year's Ocean Mile Swim can proceed if the weather cooperates. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By Ian Holmes

Ocean Mile Swim

UPDATE: Ocean Mile Swim in Qualicum Beach to proceed as planned

Aug 16, 2024 | 2:49 PM

UPDATE: The Ocean Mile Swim will take place as scheduled on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m., the Town of Qualicum Beach announced. The status of the race was in question due to potential poor weather conditions.

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EARLIER — Organizers behind a popular summer-time staple in Qualicum Beach are closely watching the weather forecast.

The fate of the planned Qualicum Beach Ocean Mile Swim on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. is unclear due to potential inclement weather, stated Town of Qualicum Beach director of planning Luke Sales.

“Right now it’s too early to say, we’re really hoping that the event’s on. We will be making that call by 9 o’clock on Sunday morning,” Sales told NanaimoNewsNOW Friday afternoon.

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Sales said the Town will report the status of the race on its website and social media on Sunday morning.

The weather outlook has improved, whereas earlier in the week it appeared this year’s event was in serious jeopardy, Sales said.

He noted conditions involving strong winds, heavy rain and big waves would see the 2024 event scrapped.

“There’s a lot of participants and we need to make sure everyone’s safe. If there’s a risk, either to the participants or the people setting up for the event, we would have to cancel it,” Sales said.

Dozens of participants typically hit the ocean on Qualicum Beach’s waterfront, with a range of people of all ages taking part in the event where awards in 15 categories are available to be won.

The event is planned to be staged near the waterfront public washrooms north of the roundabout at Memorial Ave. in coordination with several entities, including the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Should the event proceed, registration on-site would start at 1 p.m.

More details on the Ocean Mile Swim can be found here.

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