TIME is running out to enter the watersports events at the 20th MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival, which will take place at Hobie Beach from April 2-5.

A reminder has gone out to prospective participants that entries are due in by Sunday, March 14.

Watersports co-ordinator Michael Zoetmulder said the international programme consisted of five events, of which four – the Nelson Mandela Bay Surf Ski Classic (April 2), Ocean Racing Series World Championships (April 3), Bell Buoy Challenge (April 4) and King of Nelson Mandela Bay (April 5) – were open to public participation.

He said the fifth, a freestyle jet-ski competition featuring eight of the world’s top professionals, was by invitation only.

People could enter by following the link on the Festival website, said Zoetmulder.

“The watersports events do not require any special affiliations and are open to everyone,” he said. “Participants of all ages are welcome to enter.”

Zoetmulder said the Bell Buoy Challenge, which is set to become an annual event, was proving to be the most popular with the public at this early stage.

“It is a daunting seven-kilometre open water swim in Algoa Bay that is new to the international calendar and receiving a lot of interest.”

Bulgaria’s multiple world champion Petar Stoychev was one of the early entrants, the organisers said last week.