The Catalina Channel Swimming Federation, which has sanctioned upward of 80 solo and relay Catalina Channel swims in recent years, has canceled their 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement from their board of directors follows:
The Board of Directors of the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation has decided it is necessary to cancel the 2020 Catalina Channel swimming season.
The safety and well-being of all swimmers, support crews, boat crews, and observers is the first priority of the CCSF. We are faced with a global health crisis with unknown, long-term consequences. We conducted a careful review and concluded it will not be possible to operate Catalina Channel crossings this season in a manner consistent with our commitment to safety.
This is a decision we never expected to confront, but must make now, to allow swimmers to plan accordingly.
The CCSF Board members are ocean swimmers. We are acutely mindful of the discipline, training, and dedication that athletes invest in preparing for these epic swims.
The CCSF will contact swimmers whose applications have already been approved to explain the procedures to postpone or cancel altogether.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked to respond to this crisis. We will prevail together.
The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the situation and looks forward to resuming Catalina Channel swims for the 2021 season.
