Courtesy: Swimming Australia
Swimming Australia can confirm the 2021 Australian Age Swimming Championships, which includes the Australian Multi-Class Swimming Championships, will proceed as planned on the Gold Coast following this morning’s positive information provided by the Queensland Premier.
Swimming Australia acknowledges that the delay in confirmation over the past 48 hours has caused uncertainty, but we wanted to ensure we had the most up-to-date information and confirmation from Queensland Health before making any final decisions.
With the lockdown ceasing at midday today and the Queensland Premier stating Greater Brisbane will no longer be classified as a hot spot, Swimming Australia is pleased the championships can take place responsibly under the approved Swimming Pool & Aquatic Centre Industry Plan.
While a number of potential alternatives were considered during the thorough decision-making process, based on the advice of the Queensland government and our Chief Medical Officer, we have made the decision to proceed as planned.
With the Queensland Government giving outdoor events with a CovidSafe plan the green light, Swimming Australia wants to give these athletes the race experience they have been craving and deserve.
We regretfully acknowledge that our athletes in Western Australia are unable to attend due to a hard border closure with Queensland and thank Swimming WA for organising an event for those athletes to have racing opportunity.
Being an outdoor event where social distancing may not always be possible, athletes, coaches, officials and staff will all be required to wear face masks onsite at all times other than when racing or warming up. Spectators will be required to wear masks unless seated in their seating location.
Swimming Australia advises that all attendees and their families familiarise themselves with the current exposure sites as listed on Queensland Health and follow the advice provided.
While Swimming Australia will enact its CovidSafe plan over the duration of the competition and hold the meet as safely as possible, it urges everyone to assess the risks and make their own decision on whether they wish to attend.
