For Swimmers:
- Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged.
- The use of swim aids that propel you forward or keep you afloat, such as fins or pull buoys, are not allowed.
- Personal swim floats such as a Swim Buddy are allowed and encouraged.
- Snorkels are allowed.
- Swim caps that are supplied MUST be worn. NOTE: Our caps are latex. If you have a latex allergy, please let us know and we will supply you with a silicone cap.
- Each junior swimmer (10 years & under) MUST be accompanied by a support person. Support kayaks or stand up paddle boards, however, are highly recommended for all swimmers.
- Swimmers participating do so at their own risk.
- If you are unable to complete the swim (or do not start the swim), please inform a volunteer or event official as soon as possible. Hand in your timing chip so we can track that you are not finishing the swim.
- If in trouble and you need help, stop, try to stay calm, and wave a hand above your head. A power boat or a support kayak should be by quickly to assist you. If an escort kayak arrives before a power boat, have one of the paddlers wave a paddle above their head to attract a power boat over.
For Support Paddlers:
- There must be a PFD or lifejacket for each person in the boat plus one for the swimmer.
- You are responsible for having all the proper equipment (e.g. PFD, re-boarding device, throw line, bailer, sound signaling device, etc.) and knowing the regulations that apply to small watercraft.
- Support craft must stay clear of the start and finish lines. It is vital at the start area that support craft watch their swimmer from afar and join them once swimmers thin out. Boats must not block the path of any swimmer as they maneuver to meet and stay with their own swimmer.
- Communicate with your swimmer beforehand to determine how you will find each other. There will be a sea of support craft and swimmers out there, and every swimmer with a cap looks the same. Suggest you wear a funky hat, bright shirt, or tie a coloured balloon on your craft so your swimmer can find you.
- Your craft should be at the swimmer’s 1 o’clock or 11 o’clock position depending on their preferred breathing side.
- Ensure to keep a distance of 3 to 4 meters from any swimmer.
- Please stay on the right side of the swimmer.
- Please do not enter your boat into the finish area or beach it there. Please paddle your boat to the side of the finish line and pull your boat up the beach.
- NO POWER BOATS ALLOWED except for designated volunteer patrol boats. Kayakers, canoeists and stand up paddleboards MUST NOT launch their boats from the swimmers’ start area.
- Row boats are not allowed.
- The start area is reserved for swimmers only.