Okataina lake swim postponed due to Lusi

Weather prediction chart published by MetVuw out of Victoria University in Wellington shows a sub tropical low which is forecast to hit the upper north island by the weekend.

Swim Rotorua and the Rotary Club of Rotorua have postponed the Lake Okataina Open Water Swim planned for Sunday due to the severe weather forecast over the weekend.

They said rather than risk the safety of the participants and event personnel, a decision has been made to move the event to the end of the month.

The organisers are disappointed but want the experience to be special one.

The swim was the final in the inaugural Swim the Lakes series promoted by Rotorua District Council to encourage visitors and locals to use the lakes for recreational swimming. It was to feature 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500 and 3000m options.

Lake Okataina was a fitting end to the series as it is described by many as one of Rotorua's most beautiful lakes.

Both the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua District Council were consulted before a decision was made and will be working with the event organisers to make sure the postponement and new date is communicated to as many people as possible.

Anyone who has already entered the event will either have their money returned or can choose to take part on March 29.

The Swim the Lake series has been huge success to date with the first two events doubling in numbers on the previous year, the Lake Okataina swim was expected to follow the same trend.

Anyone interested in taking part on March 29 should contact Bronwen Radford at Radford@wave.co.nz or 0276 688 966.