New Beginnings for WOWSA: Restructuring and Formation of Advisory Board Committees

New Beginnings for WOWSA: Restructuring and Formation of Advisory Board Committees

WOWSA 05/15/2023 open water swimming No Comment

San Francisco, CA – May 15, 2023 -The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) would like to announce changes to its leadership and governance structure, aimed at ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability in the sport of open water swimming, and supporting the needs of swimmers, coaches, and event organizers around the world.

Two WOWSA Board Members, Steven Munatones (WOWSA Founder) and Antonio Arguelles, will be stepping down from their leadership roles to pursue new projects. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to WOWSA and the open water swimming community, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. Their departures are amicable, and we are confident that their legacy will continue to inspire and inform our work.

Looking ahead, WOWSA is excited to announce the formation of a new Advisory Board, composed of experienced and diverse professionals who will provide strategic guidance, oversight, and expertise on key issues facing the sport of open water swimming. The Advisory Board will have six committees to address several aspects of the sport, including:

  • Rules and Regulations Committee: Reviewing rules and regulations for open water swimming events and competitions, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices. This committee may also be responsible for addressing rule violations and disputes that arise during swims and events.
  • Safety and Risk Management Committee: Reviewing safety guidelines and protocols for open water swimming events and competitions, ensuring the safety of swimmers and support crews. This committee may also be responsible for conducting risk assessments and developing contingency plans for emergency situations.
  • Coaching and Education Committee: Reviewing programs to support the education and training of open water swimmers and coaches, promoting the sharing of knowledge and best practices, and providing guidance and resources to individuals and organizations involved in open water swimming. This committee may also be responsible for developing standards and certifications for coaches and other professionals involved in the sport.
  • Communication and Outreach Committee: Reviewing marketing and communication strategies to increase public awareness of open water swimming, attract new participants, and support the growth of the sport. This committee will also monitor and address concerns around the promotion of false information or questionable practices related to the sport, particularly through social media and other online channels.
  • Environmental Committee: Reviewing environmental sustainability and stewardship in open water swimming, raising awareness about the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems, and identifying ways to minimize the environmental footprint of open water swimming events. This committee may also be responsible for developing guidelines and best practices for sustainable open water swims and event planning and management.
  • Inclusion and Diversity Committee: Supporting diversity and inclusion in open water swimming, and developing strategies to ensure that the sport is accessible and welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. This committee may also be responsible for addressing issues related to discrimination and harassment within the sport.

The Advisory Board will meet quarterly to discuss key issues and provide feedback and recommendations to WOWSA. We will be announcing the new members of the Advisory Board in the coming weeks.

We believe that these changes will help WOWSA to better serve the needs of the open water swimming community and promote the growth, safety, and sustainability of the sport. We look forward to working with our many collaborators and partners around the world to achieve these goals.

About WOWSA: 

The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) is a global organization dedicated to advancing the sport of open water swimming and supporting the growth and development of our global community. WOWSA provides a platform for swimmers, coaches, event organizers, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, experience, and best practices, and to foster a community of passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to the values of the sport. 

Contact: Quinn Fitzgerald (CEO)
World Open Water Swimming Association
quinn@openwaterswimming.com
+1 925.219.2107

Note:  As we continue to build our board and committees, we welcome your suggestions. If you have someone in mind who would be a valuable addition, please participate in the poll and share your recommendation with us. Your input is greatly appreciated!

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