Novice-Intermediate level swim
Route should be clearly displayed with (potential) hazards indicated.
Hazards include wind, wave, swell, current, rocks, reefs, motorised craft, marine life.
Safety team should be sourced from the location being used for the swim and ideally directed by someone who is familiar with safety and risk protocols. No two beaches are the same - evaluation of the location requires detailed planning.
The safety team should have access to safety resources.
Swimmers should be aware that they have a part to play in their safety.
Do not swim alone (find a swim buddy). If the beach is patrolled by lifesavers approach them for guidance as regards the hazards that are known/expected.
A silicon swim-cap reduces heat loss through head (which can be extreme in cold water).
A brightly coloured swim-cap distinguishes you from non-swimmers - it also allows those who need to to do a head-count from the shore (or distance).
The Miler ("Route A") is the preferred route and is a variation of the T-Shaped Course with the entry and exit off 4th beach. The furthest point from the finish is off 4th beach. If an emergency exit is required the closest beach is used. The swim is almost always within 250m of any closest shore.
Hazards to be aware of include the reef that is swum over off 2nd beach ("Cherry Reef" which may have wave action and 1st beach which is the least sheltered of the beaches in the bay (i.e. wave action is greatest)
The Lapper ("Route B") is the backup plan and is a variation of the Box Course with entry and exit off 4th beach. The furthest point from the finish is the top right hand buoy which is approximately 450m from the shore. The width of the course is approximately 200m. If an emergency exit is required 4th beach is used.
Hazards to be aware of is the true to distance to outer buoys..the deep buoys are larger than the near-shore buoys so it may look closer than it is.
Should you ever elect that you don't want to continue then STOP, return to the start and please tell the admin desk that you have exited... The swim will be there next month.
