ASATT boss eager for resumption of swimming

WENDELL LAI HING, immediate past president of the Amateur Swimming Association of TT (ASATT), is eager for the resumption of competitive swimming, following the completion of Government’s latest covid19 restrictions on Sunday.

The Prime Minister is expected to give an update this weekend, about if he will be allowing the restrictions to continue or relaxing some measures, which he implemented in mid-August.

Asked if he is hopeful that swimming will be considered if the PM reconsiders his stance, Lai Hing replied, “I really do hope so because, as far as I am aware, all of the other (Caribbean) islands have (restarted swimming). The funny thing about it is those islands only utilise one or two pools, unlike here where we have numerous pools that we use.”

Lai Hing continued, “I saw e-mails where the Association has been putting forward recommendations for the system to be reopened. We wrote to the Sports Company (of TT) and the Ministry of Health. I cannot say if they have produced any data or any factual document to show (that) swimming has returned throughout the Caribbean.

“At the end of this month, there is a swim meet in Barbados. I think we just need to wait until Saturday and, if it’s not reopened, then I think the various clubs should go to the Association and put together a document outlining the benefits.”

Lai Hing noted that the current restrictions have affected persons who are involved in water aerobics and learn-to-swim programmes.

He pointed out, “One of the guidelines that we were told to follow by the international standards is (swimmers) don’t need to go to the bathroom (to shower). You shower from home, (go to swim), get back to your vehicle because most people who swim don’t travel, they come via private transport. There are measures that can be introduced.

“Most pools are six to eight lanes and then you’re in chlorine, which is a chemical. Physical distancing is there in swimming because it’s not a contact sport. Water polo, I can understand that, but swimming should be resumed.”

Lai Hing said that swim clubs have been feeling the pinch due to the current situation.

“Economically, it is very hard on anybody who has a facility to manage or to own,” he said.

Touching on open water swimming, Lai Hing said, “This is not a frolic on the beach, this is basically a means of exercise which should be entertained. You can’t be too close to someone when you’re swimming because you can get a cuff or a kick. The physical distancing in swimming, in the sea, is also totally adhered to.

“That is something that needs to be looked at as well because we have a lot of people who swim for recreational, people that swim for keeping fit, and they are stagnated.”