Wreck2Reef 2022 swim to go ahead with a reduced 300-participant cap

February 10, 2022 BY AAP

Open water swimmers will get the chance to compete at the 2022 Wreck2Reef on Saturday, February 12 after last year's event was cancelled due to COVID-19 and an enforced Victorian snap lockdown. Photos: MARK HEENAN MEDIA

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.

Swimmers will have the option of competing in the 2.5km or 1.2km open water swim at the Wreck2Reef on Saturday, February 12.

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.”

Action from the 2020 Wreck2Reef open water swim at Indented Head Yacht Club.

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 to conclude at 11.50am.

“That’s our priority at the moment is being able to run an event for the people who want to come down and swim – at the moment we are confident we can do that safely for everybody,” Mr Dix said.

Funds raised from this summer’s Wreck2Reef will go towards the Indented Head Yacht Club support craft.

This year’s Wreck2Reef will be part of the Great Victorian Swim Series calendar for the first time.

To register for this summer’s Wreck2Reef log onto https://ihyc.com.au/wreck-2-reef-event for more information.
All competitors must pre-register prior to the event day.