THE annual Beachside Radiology Coffs Coast Ocean Swims planned for last Sunday 3 April was called off due to the forecast of severe weather and expected poor water quality.

Organised by Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club (SSLSC), Race Director Kerry Bayliss had to make the call on Thursday 31 March and with all the information available at the time, cancellation was deemed the only option.

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“At that time there were massive swells expected all along the Eastern Seaboard,” Sheena McTackett, President, SSLSC, told News Of The Area.

“The water quality was particularly poor and added to that there was a vessel in the harbour that had become unmoored and had leaked some diesel.

“Also, the tide and storm surges meant that there would have been no beach to launch the event from.

“We had to base our decision on the information we had at the time,” she said.

With competitors travelling interstate, Swim Ambassador Brooke Hansen travelling from Queensland with her family, and around 100 swimmers from The Armidale School all planning to take part, the organisers had to give the three-day notice that saw Thursday’s plug-pulling on the event.

And it is a cancellation not a postponement owing to the number of approvals the club must achieve in order to run an event of this size.

“We need to get permission from authorities including Waterways, the Police, Coffs Harbour City Council and Marine Rescue.

“Added to that our patrolling season ends on 25 April and many volunteers who help to organise the swim go on to other activities so we cannot access all of that volunteer population that runs so much of the event.”

The somewhat good news is that SSLSC has a tentative date for the 2023 Beachside Radiology Coffs Coast Ocean Swims – Sunday 26 March.

“That’s the date we are working to, but it is tentative, not set in stone.”

There’s the 2023 Pittwater to Coffs yacht race not to clash with, Easter and the school holidays to avoid.

“Anyone who entered this year, 2022, will be automatically entered for next year.

“It is logistically very challenging for us to refund all paid entries so we’re holding over all of those entrants for next year.

“For those who are not able to attend, their payment will be a donation to the club, and we thank people for their understanding,” said Sheena.

The SSLSC, Ocean Swims and NOTA will be sharing information about next year’s Ocean Swims as details become confirmed.

Contact Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club: www.sawtellsurfclub.com.au/contact-us/.

Contact Ocean Swims: https://oceanswims.com/event/coffs-ocean-swim/.

By Andrea FERRARI