Local organizers will implement optimum measures for the safety, security and well-being of swimmers in the 4th Southeast Asia (SEA) Open Water Swimming Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission from 21 to 23 August at the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) vice president Jojo Quilop said the safety of the athletes will be their top priority in the event that drew the participation of around 200 swimmers from eight Southeast Asian countries.

The event will feature regular medal distances of 5 and 10 kilometers in the men’s and women’s divisions that will be held on over a 1.66-kilometer square course early in the morning inside the island’s cove.

But Quilop said there’s nothing to worry about.

“The safety of all our athletes is our top priority now, ensuring they will have a secure and safe environment during the competition,” Quilop said.

“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.”

“We also are looking at whatever loopholes that are left so that our safety measures are airtight,” said the PAI official, adding that they will also be supported by the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police once the regional open water showcase unfolds.

“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.”

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 lifeguards 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 been awarded Philippine Lifesaving certificates for undergoing our lifesaving course,” Salonga added.

“We are only too glad to offer our help for this international open water swimming event.”