Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The XVI Pan American Games 2011 open water swimming competition will take place on October 22. The new venue will be the waters of Banderas Bay in front of the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. 36 swimmers (18 men and 18 women) are expected to swim the competition's 10 kilometer course.

The races start at 9 am with the men's and women's finals at 2:15 pm from the Puerto Vallarta Malecón. The cost of entry is $50 pesos per ticket, which may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.mx and at the Pan American Volleyball Stadium box office. The awards presentations is scheduled to take place at 7 pm. (Subject to change.)

Although it was initially contemplated to conduct the swimming competitions in the open waters near the Puerto Vallarta Port Authority (API Maritime Terminal,) Mayor Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz announced the change of venue during the official presentation of Pan American Games in Puerto Vallarta.

The open water skills in Vallarta will be freestyle and must begin with all the participants in the water at a sufficient depth to start the race at the sound of the signal. False starts will lead to disqualifications. The starting line will be clearly defined by hung signage supported by a water-based team.

Some of the sports authorities to be present during the competitions are the President of the International Swimming Federation, Julio Maglione; President of the American Union of Swimming, Eldon Godfrey; the President of the Mexican Swimming Federation, Kiril Todorov Minchev; the Swimming Technical Delegate, Tomas Haces Germain; and Competition Director, Thomas Haces Cartaya.

It is worth noting that for the first time in this competition, El Salvador will be participating in the Pan American Games thanks to the excellent performance of competitor Alexandra Guerra and five other swimmers.