Three Timaru swimmers have survived record-breaking low temperatures as they competed at the International Ice Swimming Association’s New Zealand and Southern Hemisphere Pool Championships.
Marty Godwin, Gillian Catchpowle and Helen Bolton spent last week in Alexandra swimming in water temperatures of only 2°C.
It was the first time the three had competed, and Mr Godwin said it was even colder than he expected.
‘‘During the three days we were there we had freezing fog every morning. We were expecting to be swimming in water with the temperature between 3°-5°.
‘‘On day one at the briefing we were advised the water temperature was 2.3°. The second day we were advised we would be swimming in recordbreaking low temperatures, but they said they would not tell us the temperature until after the events.
‘‘It turned out to be 2.1°. Same thing happened on the third day and I heard from someone it was 2°.’’
Before taking part, competitors had to undergo a medical examination, including an electrocardiogram, to make sure they were fit to compete.
They also had to swim unassisted while wearing just a silicon cap, goggles and regular togs.
Mr Godwin said he was extremely proud of their efforts.
‘‘Each race we had to be ready to go. We were given a briefing and once it was our time we had about 10 seconds to de-robe down to our togs, then five seconds to get in the water to take our mark, then we were off.
‘‘Helen was incredible. She managed the 500m race but both Gill and myself pulled out as we had reached our limit on the day.
‘‘On the final day all three of us were in the same heat and we all finished to become the age group winners in the 50m breaststroke — mainly because no-one else entered, but we will take it.’’
Swimmers could take part in a range of different distances and strokes, ranging from 50m to 1000m.
During the competition Gisborne swimmer Laura Quilter managed to claim a world record in women’s 50m freestyle ice swimming.
Mr Godwin said it was surprising to see so many swimmers say they had swum faster than they had in a heated pool.
He was very thankful for all the volunteers and support crew members who helped make the event a success for all involved.
‘‘Our volunteers were outstanding — we chose to do this, but our support crew of Lauren Bolton, Nathan Weeks and Ross Godwin offered to be official timekeepers for the whole event.
‘‘To top it off, Lauren and Nathan were both timekeepers when two world records were broken.
‘‘The whole event could not take place without the volunteers and the amazing medical team, who were kept busy every day.’’
Next year’s event is set to be held at the Blue Lake in St Bathans, Central Otago, and Mr Godwin said he was very keen to take part again.
‘‘We are all without hesitation doing it again, and would recommend to anyone else to come and do it or volunteer to be part of the support crew.’’
