RD5 - Event Details / Swimmer Briefing

RD5 Swimmer Briefing

Saturday 22^nd July, 2023

PRE-SWIM

When you arrive as per the schedule, please check in with event staff to confirm your wave and collect your swim cap and bag tag/wristband with your event number.  You will be able to collect your NOWCA wristband at registration (if you don’t already have one)

You can change / get ready on the grassy area in front of City Hall adjacent to the swim pontoon.  

Bag drop will be on the swim pontoon. You will be given a numbered wrist tag and corresponding bag tag to attach to your bag when you check-in.  This is your event number. You must attach the band to your wrist and wear this, along with your NOWCA wristband during the swim.  

Following the course / safety briefing, you will have the opportunity to warm up in the area directly beside the pontoon.

Once your wave is called, swimmers should swim to the start area or if you aren’t already in the water, enter the water at the end of the pontoon.

Once all swimmers are assembled for the wave, the start marshal will count down 3-2-1 and start the wave with a loud hailer/siren.

** You must start in your allocated wave otherwise your time will not be recorded correctly **

THE SWIM

Do not enter the water without:

• Your event swim cap
• Tow Float
• NOWCA wristband
• Numbered wristband (collected at check-in)
• Don’t forget your goggles!

You must supply your own tow float for the event.  We will have basic SwimSecure tow floats available to purchase onsite.

Participants will swim in an anti-clockwise direction.  COURSE & VENUE MAP

The course is a 1km loop and there is no lap timing.  It is up to you to keep track of your lap count.

There will be no feed station on the course. If you wish to leave a water bottle and/or small nutrition bag on the end of the pontoon, please ensure you collect a label when you check in at event registration and write your event number on the label.  You can drop this off when you move to the event start and will have access to this at the end of each lap.

Upon completion of your 5^th lap, you should swim up to the finish / timing scan pontoons (see map for reference) and have your NOWCA band scanned.  As soon as you have scanned, please ensure you keep moving forward and make your way to the exit ladder and to collect your finishers medal.

DNF (Did Not Finish)

If you are unable to complete the full distance, you MUST make yourself known to the finish marshals to ensure you are scanned out of the water and your participant number logged. 

SWIM SAFETY

During the event you need to take care and be aware of other participants in the water. 

There will be safety kayaks on the water, but they will keep clear of swimmers unless they see a swimmer in difficulty or are dealing with a situation.   

Should you get into difficulty, keep your mouth out of the water by rolling onto your back, and raise your arm if you need assistance.    

A lifeguard will approach, and you should take deep breaths and communicate with them whilst treading water.  You should not approach the kayak but rest on the torpedo buoy provided.  If you are unable to continue, the safety team will tow you to the pontoon or perform a rescue in an emergency situation.  

Link to Venue Facilities

Link to Food / Beverage Options

Link to Transport & Parking