Is The Catalina Season On – Or On Hold In 2021? Who Knows? Time Will Tell

Courtesy of Catalina Channel Swimming Federation, Catalina Channel, California.

The Catalina Channel and Tsugaru Channel swimming seasons were put on hold in California and Japan, respectively.

While the Tsugaru Channel swimming will depend on decisions made by various Japanese agencies and governments, the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation is cautiously optimistic about its season being renewed in 2021.

The Federation announced, “After the New Year, swimmers may begin applications for 2021 solo and relay swims using the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation Portal.

However, we will not accept completed swim applications or payments until we are confident that Catalina Channel attempts can be conducted safely with regard to COVID-19. As always, the safety and well-being of all swimmers, support crews, boat crews, and observers is the first priority of the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation.

With that in mind, we are hearing divergent messages in December. The Los Angeles area has had record hospitalizations and the infections continue to mount. Los Angeles County is currently under a Regional Stay at Home Order.

Meanwhile, public health experts predict vaccines that are currently prioritized for healthcare workers will eventually reach the general public in spring. There is no guarantee that the United States will have widespread immunity in the summer of 2021. Depending on the public health status, it may be necessary to delay the start or possibly even cancel the season.

We continue to monitor the situation and meet regularly by teleconference. We hope to be able to make an informed decision by the end of March. We will keep you updated as we respond to developing events.”

Questions can be directed to help@swimcatalina.org. For more information on the Catalina Channel, visit swimcatalina.org.

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