Manly Observer now has confirmed reports that the junior surf lifesaving championships held at Queenscliff and North Steyne this week have been cancelled after a number of competitors and spectators were hit with a gastro outbreak.
It is unknown whether it relates to competing in polluted water at Queenscliff on Thursday or Friday or some other cause. There is a general gastro outbreak in the region.
We understand water quality has been tested. With pollution levels suspected to be high in the area given the large rainfall over the last few days, and the communicable illness, organisers have no choice but to cancel the junior leg of the competition.
The 2022 NSW Age and Youth Surf Life Saving Championships kicked off at Queenscliff on Thursday 24 February, with thousands of the State’s best young lifesavers battling it out in the surf and on the sand.
Correspondence from Surf Lifesaving NSW is as follows:
“The Competition Committee advises of the difficult decision to cancel the remaining events for the 2022 SLSNSW Youth Championships. The Open Lifesaving competition scheduled for Sunday 27 February is suspended and further advice on scheduling will be provided in due course. The decision is made based on deteriorating weather conditions with the health and safety of our members in mind.”
Previous correspondence said the Competition at the 2022 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships was already suspended on Saturday due to “reports of cases of a gastro-type illness among some of the spectators and competitors.”
“All water and beach events at Manly, Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches have been suspended with further information to be provided to Team Managers later in in the afternoon.
“SLSNSW has consulted with NSW Health and is awaiting further advice. NSW Health are aware of a significant outbreak of gastro-type illness throughout the Sydney area including on the Northern Beaches and in the interests of safety of competitors, officials and spectators, SLSNSW will seek further advice, assess the situation and provide an update as soon as possible.”
The NSW Surf Life Saving Championships were nabbed from Lake Macquarie after five years.
The 2022 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, supported by Your local club, is intended to run until 13 March at Queenscliff, North Steyne and Freshwater beaches. For full event info and results go to the official Event Web Page.
