Oranjestad, Aruba, January 26, 2025 – The Aruba Aquatics Federation (AAF) proudly kicked off the open water swimming season with the Dia di Betico Open Water Competition on Sunday, January 26, at Surfside/Nikki Beach. With 74 participants across all age groups, the event showcased the strength and growth of Aruba’s open water swimming community.
The competition began at 8:00 AM with the 1KM race, followed by the 5KM and 3KM events. Swimmers faced challenging conditions, including strong winds and currents, making each race a true test of endurance and skill. The course consisted of a 1KM loop, with 3KM swimmers completing three laps and 5KM swimmers completing five. Thanks to AAF’s high-tech timing system and its dedicated officials, participants received split times for each round, ensuring precise race tracking.
A Sport for All Ages and Levels
The competition welcomed swimmers as young as eight years old and included categories up to the masters division (19+ years), allowing both beginners and seasoned athletes—local and international—to take part. The event highlighted the inclusivity and accessibility of open water swimming, reinforcing AAF’s commitment to growing the sport.
Building a Strong Open Water Community
AAF’s mission extends beyond competition—it’s about fostering a community. Open water swimming thrives on teamwork, encouragement, and shared success. While athletes compete individually, coaches, officials, and spectators play a crucial role in supporting their journey. The dedication of volunteers, enthusiastic participation of athletes, and the energy of the crowd made this event a resounding success.
Ensuring Environmental Responsibility
The Aruba Aquatics Federation, in collaboration with the responsible government departments, carefully selects competition locations and evaluates race conditions to safeguard the ecological balance of our ocean. Every event is planned with a commitment to protecting marine life and minimizing environmental impact, ensuring that open water swimming in Aruba remains both a sustainable and responsible sport.
Upcoming Event: Artistic Swimming Competition
AAF is excited to continue the momentum with its first Artistic Swimming competition of the year. The event will take place at Piscina Olimpico Roly Bisslik in Savaneta this February, starting at 8:00 AM.
For the official results of the open water competition and updates on upcoming events, follow @arubaaquaticsfederation on social media.
