Swimarathon organisers follow Covid advice closely
SWIMMERS taking part in Guernsey’s biggest annual fundraiser, which begins this evening, are being reassured that all necessary steps are being taken to keep them safe from picking up a Covid-19 infection.
Nick Guillemette, the chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon organising committee, says that with up to 1,500 schoolchildren taking part, he approached Public Health for advice about how to ensure the highest level of safety.
‘These are recommendations – not rules – but we have decided to follow them to the letter,’ he said.
‘If anyone is unwell, we’re asking them not to come to the event and instead to send someone in their place. We’re also asking all team captains to keep a record of all their participants, so they can be traced and contacted if it proves necessary.’
Mr Guillemette said sanitiser would be provided and that barriers would be used to separate incoming and outgoing swimmers at the venues being used – Beau Sejour, St Sampson’s High and Le Murier.
‘If swimmers can turn up already changed into their bathers, that will also help prevent overcrowding in the changing room areas,’ he said.
The Bailiff, Richard McMahon, will start the event this evening at Beau Sejour, with organisers hopeful of raising another big sum in aid of two local charities – the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation and Citizens Advice Guernsey. A record total of £71,000 was raised last year despite preparations being affected by Covid restrictions.
As well as schools and scout groups, local companies are also providing teams. One new entrant is Guernsey Swim All Seasons – a group of sea swimmers which was started up on social media in November.
Suzanne Seeds has organised a team of about 25, who will be swimming in rather warmer water than they have grown used to.
‘I’ve swum all my life,’ she said. ‘I’ve done the Swimarathon before but I thought I’d see if anyone from the group was interested and now we’ve got three lanes’ worth.
‘I’ve asked them all to bring a donation, rather than getting them to go round getting sponsorship.’
In addition to Mr McMahon, Channel swimmer Adrian Sarchet – the star of the Sea Donkey documentary – and Education, Sport & Culture president Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen will also open some of the sessions during the five-day event.
