Entry fees include 1 support boat per 2 swimmers plus an additional support boat to provide non dedicated support if necessary. This format was chosen to accommodate the flexibility of the swim date while still guaranteeing availability of sufficient skippers and boats. Pairing of swimmers will be mutually discussed and planned prior to swim date.

Swimmers are welcome to arrange their own support boats with prior approval from the event management safety team.

The event has been designed to ensure cancellation is highly unlikely. We are avoiding fixed dates by using swim windows to ensure weather related cancellations are no longer a factor.

In the event of exceptional circumstances swim windows will be moved to the first possible appropriate date accounting for swimmer’s preparation, fitness and the meteorological season.

Cancellations and withdrawals by swimmers will be considered on an individual basis depending on time frames and ability to find replacement swimmers.

1. During a swim no physical contact with a swimmer shall be made by any person.
2. The timing of the swim shall start from the moment a swimmer enters until the swimmer touches the opposite coast, with no sea beyond.
3. The swimmer may not make intentional supportive contact with any vessel, object, or support personnel at any time during the swim.

Swim Categories

Skins

1. You shall not be assisted by an artificial aid of any kind, includes taping/strapping;
2. You may wear one cap, but it must not extend below the bottom of the earlobes. The cap must be made of latex, silicon or cloth and only one cap may be used at a time. Neoprene caps, or others made from or any other material which offers similar heat retention properties are not permitted.
3. You may wear one pair of standard goggles. Smart goggles are allowed.
4. Ear plugs and nose clips are permitted.
5. A watch may be worn at swimmer’s discretion.
6. A heart rate strap may be worn.
7. You are permitted to grease your body and/or apply sunscreen before a swim.
8. You may wear ONE swimming costume that conforms to the following specifications:
   • The costume shall be of a material not offering thermal protection or buoyancy and shall be sleeveless and not extend below the knees
   • “Sleeveless” shall mean the costume must not extend beyond the end of the shoulder onto the upper arm; and

Wetsuits

1. A neoprene wetsuit is allowed with a maximum thickness of 5mm on any area of the body.
2. Gloves, booties or hoodies are not allowed.
3. This category also covers bathing costumes that don’t conform to a standard “skins” swimming attire
4. You may wear up to two caps, but they must not extend below the bottom of the earlobes. The caps must be made of latex, silicon or cloth and a maximum of two caps may be used at a time. Neoprene caps, or others made from any other material which offers similar heat retention properties are not permitted.
5. The wearing of rash vests or stinger suits are allowed in this category.

Assisted

1. Any other assistance required on a swim will be classified as “assisted”.

Event groups will be differentiated by including the month in the event name, example “Island Escape NOVEMBER” In the event of more than one group per month we will include numerals after the month name and these numerals will determine the order in which the group swims in that month.

• Swim window will open on the first day of each month unless otherwise scheduled for a group booking
• Event management and safety team will monitor weather forecasts starting 1 week prior to swim window and communicate possible swim date to all entrants on a regular basis.
• Actual swim date will be scheduled as follows:
  • Red Light – no likelihood of a swim for following 5 days
  • Amber Light – Standby for 4 days’ time
  • Green Light – Swim scheduled for 2 days’ time
• Swim day will be based on safety for both the swimmers and the support crew and will take the following into consideration:
  • Ocean swell – size, frequency, and direction
  • Wind strength and direction
  • Ocean temperature
• Race briefing will be readily available electronically on za with a Zoom call scheduled 2 days prior to scheduled swim day, final briefing and race marking to be held at Oceana Power Boat club on the morning of the swim
• Swimmers after-swim bags to be handed into race organisers – NO BAG NO SWIM policy strictly enforced
• Swimmers will be transported to the island from Oceana Power Boat Club where you will engage with your support pilot prior to starting the swim
• Swim will finish in Big Bay using the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club as a base for medical support and recovery.
• No swimmers to depart from Big Bay Lifesaving Club without prior consent of event safety team.

Event results will be posted immediately after the swim, making them available for Discovery Vitality points.