The World Aquatics Championships in Singapore are back on track as the organisers confirmed a significant improvement in water quality at Sentosa. Initially delayed due to high E. coli levels, the open water events are set to proceed after a fresh round of testing showed water conditions have returned to ‘good’ to ‘excellent’.
Postponement and Rescheduling
On 15 July 2024, the women’s 10km race was postponed from its original start time of 8am due to concerns over athlete safety. The decision came after water quality tests indicated levels of E. coli bacteria had surpassed acceptable thresholds, prompting immediate action from World Aquatics and local authorities.
Now, with the new tests conducted, the 10km men’s race will take place at 1pm and the women’s race at 4pm on the same day, 16 July 2024.
Safety First
- Regular water quality monitoring ensures ongoing safety.
- Testing conducted prior to events routinely showed acceptable conditions.
- Contamination was an isolated incident, according to World Aquatics’ executive director Brent Nowicki.
In an effort to safeguard the wellbeing of all athletes, the organisers are committed to continuous monitoring of water quality for the duration of the competition.
Background on Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming allows athletes to compete in bodies of water like oceans and lakes, exposing them to various environmental factors. This adds an extra layer of complexity and risk, making water quality checks imperative before any event.
As Singapore plays host to the World Aquatics Championships for the first time, local athletes, including Chantal Liew and Kate Ona, are keen to showcase their skills amidst these challenges.