Optimum safety measures set for 4th Southeast Open Water Swimming meet

LOCAL organizers will implement optimum measures for the safety, security, and well-being of all participants in the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships presented by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc, and the Philippine Sports Commission from Aug. 21 to 23 at the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

“The safety of all our athletes is our top priority now, ensuring they will have a secure and safe environment during the competition,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. vice president Jojo Quilop following the recent interagency coordinating meeting for the event.

“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 lifeboats, and jet skis will be required for the meet, for its approval,” Quilop revealed.

The PAI official said, “We are also investigating any loopholes that remain so that our safety measures are airtight,” added that the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police will also provide support when the regional open water showcase commences.

“Meetings with the provincial risk reduction and management officials of Aklan have taken place, while next week we will have another meeting with the municipal risk reduction and management officials,” he added.

Quilop noted that the inaugural international open water swimming meet that the country will host would be within the popular resort island’s cove, “so that the waters and weather will be calmer compared to the other side of Boracay.”

Supplementing these measures, he said, was the assistance of Philippine Lifesaving, which will send five highly trained lifeguard daily while the races are going on.

“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.

“All of these lifeguard volunteers have undergone intensive training and awarded Philippine Lifesaving certificates for undergoing our lifesaving course,” Salonga stressed. “We are only to glad offer our help for this international open water swimming event.”

Quilop said that besides the safety measures for participants of the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships “we are also taking steps in preserving and protecting the ecological and marine environment while we are there.”

“We are conscious of Boracay’s reputation as top tourist destination of our country,” he said,” so we want to maintain  that status.”

“This is the first time the Philippine will host the 4th Southeast Asia Ope Water Swimming Championships and we want to maintain the  of everyone while having a good time with us.  We want this to be the best hosting.

“The idea of PAI is that this will be  just the first of many more international open water swimming events considering that we have 7,100 islands all over the country.”