Swimmers turn out in numbers for the Fosters Sea Swim

Over 100 swimmers turned out for 36th annual Fosters Sea Swim Saturday (10 October) afternoon despite overcast weather, rough seas and murky waters. The family friendly event started with it’s traditional 800 metre swim at Governors Beach, with 84 swimmers entering the water, followed by the 12&Under 400 metres.

Organiser Woody Foster who also competed in the sea swim and finished third in his age group said he was pleased with the overall turnout.

“2020 has been difficult in almost every respect,” said Foster. “Considering that we had a little scare with the child from Red Bay, which thankfully it seems like everything is okay, I’m really happy with that. But all things considered, having over 100 people registered I am really happy with that.”

The overall 800m sea swim was won by Lauren Hew, who crossed the finish line one second ahead of Jake Bailey with a time of 12:38.

Hew currently attends Florida State University and has represented the Cayman Islands at both the World Aquatics Championships and the Pan American Games. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she finds herself competing locally again until she returns to school in January.

“It’s been nice to be back home and swimming out here,” said Hew. “It was a little murky, but much better than last week (referring to the Flowers 1 Mile Swim), so I’m really happy about that.”

Taking third overall was Harper Barrowman clocking in at 12:40, followed by Jillian Crooks 12:51 and Jasmine Lambert-Wragg 13:08.

“Some of the younger girls are catching up to me now,” said Hew. “So I have to fight for my spot but it was good.”

In addition, the 8&under was won by Sammy Haworth, Charlotte Duivenbode won the 9-10, Sierrah Broadbelt was first in the 11-12 age group, Harper Borrowman won the 13-14 and Jake Bailey won the 15-19 age group.

Lauren Hew was victorious in the 20-29 category while Andrew Smilley took the 30-39 age group. Ana Furzan won in the 40-49, Michelle Bailey won in the 50-59, Victor Thompson in the 60-69 and Frank Flowers claimed the 70&over age group.

The 36th annual Fosters Sea Swim marked the final Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association open water competition for 2020.

Foster said he is grateful for the long lasting partnership with the Association. “CIASA does an amazing job and we are really thankful to work with them every year.”