Bermudian swimmers competitive on international stage

“We had seven Masters swimmers take part in the FINA World Masters Championships in Sweden last summer,” Mr. Strong said. “Five of them placed in the top 20 in their respective age groups in at least one of their events.

One swimmer, Colleen Nelson placed in the top 10 in her age group in all six of her events and took home one gold and one bronze medal in the process. The (Masters) need no encouragement.”

Mr. Strong is a representative on BASA’s Board for both BMSA and Open Water Swimming and organizes summertime open water swim events for the Masters, as well as the occasional pool meets — but he doesn’t coach the swimmers.

“I maintain an email list keeping members informed of current swimming events and pool issues, or putting people in touch with training groups,” he said.

 “The BMSA exists to promote health and fitness in adults through swimming,” Mr. Strong explained.

BMSA caters to all ability levels, 18-years and older, whose ends might simply be enjoyment, or perhaps local or international competition.

Mr. Strong’s Open Water role is a new one within BASA, for which he is developing local event-running standards and safety guidelines.

“Open Water Swimming is both the youngest and oldest of FINA’s… disciplines,” he said. “The first three modern Olympic Games all staged swimming events in open water, but in London in 1908, swimming moved to the pool.

“It was only reinstated as an Olympic sport in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with the inclusion of the 10km Marathon swim event.”

“Open Water Swimming is to pool swimming what trail running is to track running,” Mr. Strong said.

He noted the need to navigate during open water swims and be confident and maintain composure when conditions suddenly change, water is swallowed and there’s nothing to grab hold of. He discussed the rhythm of a stroke unhindered by the walls of a pool and the excitement of observing nature.

“During open water swims, I have seen spotted eagle rays, remoras, schools of Jacks and once, hundreds of jellyfish just a few feet below me,” he said. “In a pool you just see the line on the bottom.”

Open Water Swims take place in the open ocean along the North or South shores, or in Harrington Sound. In each case, Mr. Strong arranges for boat, kayak or paddleboard support. He advises Bermuda Maritime Operations of route, start time, numbers, and so on. They in turn coordinate with the Marine Police who often provide an escort.

“I am trying to encourage and promote Open Water Swimming to the younger swimmers, particularly now that it is an Olympic event,” Mr. Strong said. “BASA doesn’t yet have an Open Water event, but we are working on that.” Mr. Strong quoted some statistics that should be of interest to Master and youth swimmers — whether ocean or pool enthusiasts — and even sluggish wannabes.

“Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness, and it works practically all the muscles in the body,” he said. “Swimming burns calories at a rate of about three calories a mile per pound of bodyweight. If you weigh 150 lbs and it takes you 30 minutes to swim one mile, then you will be using about 900 calories in one hour.”

He added: “Besides the health aspects, (swimming) is also a very social sport.”