In a notification to all South African provincial swimming unions on Monday 25th August 2003, Swimming South Africa CEO Mr. Dave Norman announced that an Advisory Committee would shape the future of the discipline of Open Water Swimming.
In a brief statement, Mr. Norman stated :
"In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the Open Water Swimming Discipline at a National Level, Swimming South Africa have appointed the following persons to serve on the OWS Advisory Committee."
This is an interim measure until the SSA Council has made a decision on whether or not to retain the current Board System or to replace it with Advisory Committees. This decision will be taken at the Special General Meeting in April 2004 with implementation at the Annual General Meeting in June 2004.
| Mr. Tony Sellmeyer | Convenor | |
| Mr. Peter Bales | Member | |
| Mr. Wayne Riddin | Member | |
| Mr. Neville Smith | Member | |
| Mr. Rafiq Bedford | Member |
All Provinces are urged to set up an open water committee within their province and to have an open water representative on their executive committee. Open water competitions should be organised and competitors should be encouraged to compete at age group level.
Open Water Swimming is the fastest growing discipline within FINA and if we are to be competitive within this discipline internationally then we have to provide the necessary competitive support for our members, Mr. Norman concluded.
