After the highly successful 5K and 10K open water swims at the 2011 SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) were held on Putri Island on Indonesia, high-point winning Indonesia Swimming Federation is working with local volunteers to significantly expand its open water swimming calendar.

In addition to other shorter distance events, the Indonesia Swimming Federation will hold a FINA Coaching Clinic and a 10K race in Sibolga in North Sumatra on April 1st.

The Sibolga Open Water Swimming Competition is a 10K open water swim in the Pantai Pelabuhan Lama Sibolga (Sibolga Beach Harbor) on April 1st organized by the Sibolga Government in cooperation with the Indonesian Swimming Federation.

The top men and women will receive the following cash prizes in Indonesia Rupiah:

1st Rp 15,000,000 (US$1,661)
2nd Rp 12,000,000 (US$1,329)
3rd Rp 10,000,000 (US$1,107)
4th Rp 8,000,000 (US$886)
5th Rp 7,000,000 (US$775)
6th Rp 6,000,000 (US$664)
7th Rp 5,000,000 (US$553)
8th Rp 4,000,000 (US$443)
9th Rp 3,000,000 (US$332)
10th Rp 2,000,000 (US$221)

In a part of the world where too many people drown, developing and showcasing the skills of individuals who can swim well in the open water is a marvelous long-term outcome of the SEA Games. Inspiration and education can go a long way in preventing tragedies in the open water.

Photos and information courtesy of Christopher Guesdon.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source