By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
Thirty-two swimmers participated in the second annual open water swim of 1.6 km (1 mile) from the Sandy Beach at Black Creek Provincial Park to Old Woman Island and back. The Swim was held on August 28, 2022 starting at 10 a.m. Over $5,000 was raised for the Kabaeshiwin Respite Women’s and Children’s Shelter.
32 swimmers face challenging conditions
With a timed race, and groups of swimmers leaving one minute apart, support boats and other safety protocols in place, swimmers set out in conditions they described afterwards as “fairly wavy”, “choppy”, and “hard work swimming against the waves”. The winners completed the swim in less than 30 minutes. Oscar Siwiec of Hanover was the first place winner. Jillian Best took 2nd place, while Jacqueline Madden was the 3rd place winner.
Organizers Sahand Amiri and Teresa Nesci started the tradition last year to honour Children and Families of Residential Schools. Proceeds from this year’s event were donated to the Kabaeshiwin Respite Women’s and Children’s Shelter. The goal was to raise $3,000 for the Shelter. They raised over $5,000 plus product donations, which included gift cards from Peacocks, Hellyers, Wiarton, Zehrs, Metro, Food Basics. They also received support from local producers and restaurants like DeJong Acres and Saugeen Dairy, TruEarth, GoGoQuinoa, and BFree Cups.
Residents, cottagers, friends and families participated in the Swim event
Some of the swimmers returned for the 2nd year, and brought along friends and family, including a group of swimmers from London, Ontario who call themselves the Silver Dolphins.
The organizers say that 16-year-old Charley Firth did amazingly well and along with Sarah Hsiao and Dominic Wong, were the top fundraisers among the participants.
