Following Boracay’s hosting of Philippines’ first international open water swimming competition from Aug. 21 to 23, organizers are putting an extensive safety network in place — from lifeguards and rescue boats to jet skis and Coast Guard support.
Known for its white beach resorts and extreme water sports, Boracay is set to host the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
The event will be staged at Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan, with Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) assuring that athlete safety will be the overriding priority during the three-day regional meet.
According to PAI vice president Jojo Quilop, the safety of all the athletes is their top priority now, ensuring they will have a secure and safety environment during the competition.
“What PAI and the local organizing committee have done is submit a comprehensive plan to Asia Aquatics on the safety protocols, including how many kayaks, rubber life boats and jet skis that will be required for the meet, for its approval,” Quilop revealed.
The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police will also provide support once the regional competition gets underway as coordination has also been undertaken with disaster risk reduction and management authorities in Aklan, with another round of discussions scheduled with officials in Malay.
The competition course will be located within the resort island’s cove “so that the waters and weather will be calmer compared to the other side of Boracay.
Philippine Lifesaving will reinforce the safety contingent by deploying five highly trained volunteer lifeguards each day of competition.
“One of Philippine Lifesaving’s 68 centers nationwide is in Boracay so we will send five volunteer lifeguards daily during the competition to supplement and complement whatever safety requirements that are needed by the organizers,” Philippine Lifesaving secretary general DJ Salonga said.IMT Sports
