Boracay is about to earn its stripes as a regional swimming powerhouse. The island will host the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships from August 21 to 23, drawing swimmers and tourists to the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

Philippine Aquatics Inc. Secretary General Eric Buhain believes the island’s global reputation will only fuel bigger turnout. “Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of, so we can anticipate even more swimmers and tourists to watch the open water swimming meet,” he said at a recent Philippine Sportswriters Association forum.

Eight Nations Set to Compete Over Three Days

PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes confirmed at least eight of the 11 member countries under the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation will field teams for the championships. Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and host Philippines are all set to compete in the country’s first-ever hosting of the event, staged off Megaworld’s 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism estate.

PAI President Michael Vargas said the event carries weight beyond the podium. “This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” he said in a statement.

Buhain expects around 200 swimmers to compete in the standard medal distances of 5 and 10 kilometers across the men’s and women’s divisions, racing over a 1.66-kilometer square course early in the morning inside the island’s cove. He added that an accompanying open water festival, featuring 3- and 5-kilometer distances, should swell participation further, aligning with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio’s sports tourism push.

Local Governments, PSC Rally Behind Historic Event

Buhain credited strong backing from the Malay municipal government under Mayor Frolibar Bautista and the Aklan provincial government under Gov. Jose Miraflores, along with support from the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee led by Gregorio.

Gregorio called the championships a model for collaboration. “The 4th SEA Open Water Championships is another prime example where government, private stakeholders and national sports associations can pool their resources and efforts together in successfully staging an international sporting event,” he said, adding that the meet is “a win-win situation for everybody” and praising PAI President Mico Vargas for bringing the event to Philippine shores.

Buhain and Reyes also stressed that safety measures are in place throughout the course, with lifeguards, life rafts and medical personnel stationed at strategic points. “Even when the swimmers train, we see to it that all of these conditions are in place before they work out in open water, more so in actual competition,” they said.