The open water swim season officially launched this past weekend with the annual Flow 800m Sea Swim which attracted 90 competitive and non–competitive swimmers.  The event, which is organised by the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA), took place at Governor’s Beach on Saturday with 51 males and 39 females participating.  In the end it was Liam Henry (11:08) and Jake Bailey (11:12) who completed the circular course first.  First girl across the finish line was Avery Lambert (11:19) Medals were awarded to the top three winners in several age categories.

Despite the weather, sea conditions remained calm on Seven Mile Beach and the swimmers prevailed. Participants included members of the Cayman Islands National Team which recently had a successful showing at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, members of the national development team, triathletes, Special Olympics athletes and Masters swimmers.

“Flow is celebrating 31 years of partnership with Cayman’s swimming community through our sponsorship of the 800m Sea Swim, and we are proud to be a part of this long-standing event which welcomes everyone, from novices to masters, children to adults, beginners to professionals,” said Daniel Tathum, Flow Cayman Managing Director.  “CIASA has produced many strong, talented swimmers over the years, and we believe it’s events such as this which help to reveal those skills or further develop them. Congratulations to all the finishers and we look forward to many more years of success for Cayman’s swimmers.”

“I think the Flow Sea Swim was a terrific event. It was an exciting two-person battle in the final 200 metres as Liam edged out Jake at the finish,” said Duke Sullivan, Meet Director. “Countless people volunteered to make the Sea Swim a continued success, and CIASA looks forward to many more years of contributing to this popular event.”

Next on the swim calendar is the Butterfield 800m Sea Swim on 26 May, followed by the Flowers Sea Swim on 16 June.

For more information about CIASA log on to www.ciasa.ky