There Are No Guarantees

Danielle Teutsch of the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Sydney Harbour Swim Classic will proceed on March 1st as scheduled despite a recent warning that the harbour is unsafe because of the risk of shark attacks.

The 1K and 2K Sydney Harbour Swim Classic will start beside the Sydney Opera House where there were two separate shark attacks last week, one on a diver and one on a surfer.

Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said he had no problem with the event proceeding given 800+ swimmers are expected and safety boats would patrol the waters, but he also warned, "All competitors must remember there are no 100% guarantees when swimming in the ocean."

The race organizers monitor shark sightings in the days before the event and have a comprehensive safety program including rubber inflatables, patrol boats, safety divers and lifesavers on boards.