Over 115 swimmers, including some overseas guests, turned out last Saturday 31st March for the final event in the Open Water Swim Series hosted by Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC).

This is the first time the competitive swim club has hosted an open water event .– and organizers were impressed with the turn-out and enthusiasm. .“The series has been great for everyone,.” CBAC Associate Head Coach Katie Lambert says of the family-friendly events. .“We had a tremendous amount of parent and volunteer support, which led to a very well-organized series .– and to a very positive experience for the swimmers..”

Open to swimmers of all abilities, the Saturday morning meets took place over the last six weeks on Governor.’s Beach, with competitors swimming north towards Public Beach. Each event started with a 200m Lollipop Dash, designed for children 10 and under, followed by a Sea Swim and Water Walk, which increased in distance throughout the series from 400m to 800m.

Saturday.’s 800m Sea Swim was won by Mathias Kolleck, who completed the race in an impressive time of 10:47.5 minutes. Second place went to CBAC member Coral Tomascik, with a time of 10:51.35 minutes. William Balderamos finished third with a time of 11:16.7 minutes. .“The Sea Swims were great practice for the annual Flowers Sea Swim in June,.” explains Coach Katie. .“For many of the participants, the series was their first taste of open water competitive swimming, allowing them to build open water confidence in a friendly environment..”

“It.’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy one of our most beautiful resources,.” says CBAC Associate Head Coach Dominic Ross. And it was a particularly beautiful day for volunteer Naidelys Eden, who received a surprise marriage proposal from her boyfriend of eight years, Roderick Henry, who had secretly flown in from New York to ask for her hand in marriage.

“We are now gearing up for the CARIFTA Games, which the Club will attend for the first time next week,.” adds Coach Dominic. This is the first time that CBAC has made an appearance at the Championships and everyone is excited and proud to see the swimmers.’ hard work paying off. .“We could not be more proud of our eight swimmers selected for the 2012 CARIFTA National Team; of which six are first-time CARIFTA swimmers,.” says CBAC President, Jeffrey Wight. .“We are also proud of CBAC swimmer Danielle Boothe, who has been selected to represent Jamaica and will join her teammates in Nassau..”

The 26 Cayman National Team swimmers, comprising of both CBAC and Stingray Swim Club members, will leave for the Bahamas on Tuesday 10 April. The XXIV 2012 CARIFTA Swimming Championships take place in Nassau from 12-15 April. Follow the CBAC swimmers.’ progress atfacebook.com/camanabayaquaticclub.com.

For more information on the Camana Bay Aquatic Club, contact Coach Katie at [email protected].