Aug 03 - Swimmers Face Dangerous Conditions During Endurance Event
A number of swimmers who took part in yesterday’s Endurance Swim from Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay struggled to reach safety as they faced what eyewitnesses have described as “difficult and dangerous” weather conditions.
The event organisers have been the target of sharp criticism from participants’ families because of a perceived lack of adequate safety measures during the event which went ahead despite rough Levanter seas.
Although lifeguards, experienced swimmers, the RGP and canoes were in the area and managed to help most of those who encountered difficulties, some participants say that there was no help available to some swimmers perilously close to the Eastside reclamation.
One woman reportedly sustained injuries after hitting the rocks and was rescued by the Eastern Beach lifeguards.
Jeanice Borg, whose 18-year-old son took part in the annual event, was gripped by fear when she saw him unable to swim further because he developed a cramp. There was no help available and his elder brother had to dive in to assist.
“He was trembling when he came out and St John’s Ambulance staff were there with blankets,” she said.
Jeanice’s son, like other swimmers, was being drawn towards the reclamation rocks by the powerful waves. She says that sea conditions appeared to have deteriorated after the participants left Eastern Beach. Nevertheless, she maintains that the swim should never have gone ahead.
“It was very frightening and, I feel, very badly organized given the weather conditions,” she said.
She added that she hoped that this year’s incident would serve as a warning to ensure that such risks are not taken in the future by the organisers.
Jeanice and her family would like to thank the RGP, St John’s Ambulance, the Fa family and anyone else who helped her son.
Editor's Note: See GASA's statement in response to this story: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/society/9791-aug-03-gasa-statement-on-endurance-swim
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