Flames and Fins: How LA’s Fires Are Affecting Swimmers

1. Wildfires in Los Angeles have now consumed over 15,000 acres throughout the state of California. More than 150,000 individuals have evacuated, leading to the destruction of homes, businesses, and educational institutions.

Rose Bowl Aquatics in Pasadena has been affected by the Eaton fire, with warnings for evacuation in their vicinity. Surveillance images reveal smoky deposits in the pool and harm to the tarps that protect the pool. Their website and social media platforms disclosed they would remain closed until further notice. 

The Rose Bowl Football Stadium, located right next to the aquatic center, was also evacuated.

The Mission Viejo Nadadores are providing temporary training sessions for any displaced athletes, and they encourage athletes to email Coach Sarah Dawson at [email protected] for additional details.

Other regions facing issues include Malibu where Pepperdine University is situated. As of 1:00 P.M. on January 8th, their school website indicates there is no immediate danger to the campus, and they have not implemented an evacuation. The fire is currently three miles from campus at its nearest point, placing students residing off-campus in a challenging predicament.

There are members of the team who have been unable to return home as they live in the heart of the fires, and at least one athlete has allegedly lost everything they possess. Even on campus, athletes are experiencing difficulties due to air quality and strong winds.

Pepperdine previously suffered from the Franklin fire before the winter break. This fire resulted in the evacuation of their campus and the cancellation of their finals. They are scheduled to resume classes on Monday, January 13, and their website confirms there are no intentions to alter this date.

The University has support available for students who have lost their housing due to the fire, and a donation platform is accessible for those who want to assist:

UCLA reports that, thus far, they are not directly affected by the fire.