Wreck2Reef organisers have confirmed this year’s open water swim at Indented Head Yacht Club will proceed with a reduced 300-participant cap on Saturday February 12.
Wreck2Reef event director Andrew Dix said the original 500-competitor cap was cut to 300 after higher COVID-19 omicron strain variant numbers were recorded across January.
Mr Dix said the tighter restrictions around COVID would reduce large crowds from gathering with the volunteer club unable to host post swim trophy presentations and run its usual open water swim schedule.
Last summer the Wreck2Reef, Indented Head Yacht Club’s largest annual fundraiser, was cancelled in mid-February after Victoria went into a five-day state-wide lockdown around COVID.
“It was primarily driven around the issue of not wanting to have large crowds of people in one place for the protection and safety of the volunteers and the people working on the event, but also for the competitors themselves,” Mr Dix said.
“At the moment a lot of people are reluctant to go to places where there are massive crowds and lots of people.
“We wanted to be able to ensure people would be able to operate an event where there weren’t going to be large groups of people together and they would be able to come and safely swim in their event.
“Given the practicalities of where we are at the moment, we thought it made sense to put a slightly lower cap in place for everyone’s safety and comfort levels.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only the 2.5km and 1.2km open water swims will take place, the first event commences at 9.30am and with the final swim finishing at 11.50am.
This year’s Wreck2Reef will be part of the Great Victorian Swim Series calendar for the first time.
Go to ihyc.com.au/wreck-2-reef-event for more information and to register.
