Brian DeVal

This competition will not be like previous competitions because this year has not been like previous years.

Swimmers have not been able to train normally or to compete as they normally would. Because of this we have really focussed on the needs of swimmers and provided the best possible racing environment so that our athletes can gain the times they need to qualify for higher competitions or for our County Championships in February.

We are aiming to license this gala at Level 2 because it will help swimmers. The programme has been streamlined by removing all the competitions that normally run alongside our galas, including club and age group points. This means that swimmers can focus on achieving the best times they can in the events they are most likely to need in the months ahead.

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Swim England has confirmed the dates when the national artistic swimming events which make up the Virtual Series will take place.

Four competitions will be held for all age groups throughout September, October, November and December.

However, instead of each event being held at one venue, clubs and individuals will perform routines in their own pools during a certain time period and submit video footage which will be scored by qualified judges.

The top routines will then be shown during a Facebook live stream and the winners announced. 

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The Swim England South East Region Swimming Group met on Thursday 15th July to finalise arrangements for the upcoming Festival of Swimming. Our primary objective is always to provide a quality competition that allows as many swimmers as possible to compete in the safest environment. Because of the measure we have set out below we have been able to accommodate around 30% more swimmers than we originally expected.

The spread of COVID is still causing concern in all parts of the country and the impact on those infected, and their contacts, is significant. Although the Government has lifted all legal restrictions associated with controlling the spread of COVID and leisure centre operators have decided to do the same, the Festival galas will continue to mandate strict social distancing and the wearing of face masks.

Why have we taken this decision?

Government rules still require, until August 16th, any contact of someone who tests positive to self-isolate for 10 days. That would have an immediate impact on people’s ability to work and to go on holiday. It would also place a significant risk on the Region’s ability to run the second weekend of competition and potentially deprive clubs of the staff needed to continue to operate.

As the promoter of the competition the Region has a duty of care towards swimmers, coaches, officials, and parents. After careful consideration, we have assessed that the risk associated with running the competition with no restrictions to be unacceptably high.

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The Swim England South East Region Awards return in 2021 with the winners being announced in October.

The Awards recognise and celebrate the incredible spirit of our aquatic community especially evident during these challenging times. They showcase individuals and groups across a number of categories based around two streams: Inspirational Awards and Innovation Awards reflecting our ability to adapt and meet the challenges our community has faced.

Nominations close on Sunday 15th August 2021.

To nominate someone special

Dates have been agreed for the 2022 County Championships and Age Group Competition.

All events will be held at K2 over the 50m pool.

Long distance events, 1,500m and 800m, will be held as evening session on 29th January and 6th February with warm up starting at 4pm. All other events will be held over two full weekends, 12th & 13th February and 26th & 27th February. Warm up on these days will start at 8:30am.

The programmes, conditions and entry qualification times will be available over the coming months and will be published on the Championships web page.

Swim England is aiming to stage a number of national events in 2021 as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions are being officially lifted.

The recognised national governing body will also be taking down its Covid guidance as social distancing requirements will be removed from Monday 19 July.

Instead, it has updated its coronavirus frequently asked questions page to cover the most commonly-raised queries being asked.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the UK will move into Step Four of the roadmap out of lockdown – signalling the end of the vast majority of legal Covid regulations.

As restrictions are eased, however, individuals are asked to exercise caution and venue users will need to adhere to leisure facilities’ requirements as some may choose to keep enhanced Covid measures in place beyond 19 July.

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