THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL
SAFETY RULES PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IN EVENT OF RACE BEING SUSPENDED AFTER THE START

Once the swim has already started, In such an event, and if, in the Safety Judge´s opinion, competitors have to be removed from the water, the following are the steps to be followed:

Using the prearranged broadcasting system the Head of Safety  will contact the larger     crafts to communicate that the swim is going to be cancelled.

Using the prearranged broadcasting system the Safety Judge will contact the larger     crafts to communicate that the swim is going to be cancelled.

At this stage of the alert, the swimmers must reach the nearest buoy and await pickup.

These buoys are marked with balloons every 200mts, there is a buoy, approximately, every 100m. (except in the first meters after the start and the last ones close to the finish line)

Swimmers will use the individual buoy in order to ensure their safety and not cause unnecessary troubles to other swimmers

The medium-size craft and zodiacs must check that no swimmer is alone or    disorientated and will rescue all swimmers and take up to the “last man” into boats or to beach. Boarding vessels will be done with utmost calm. Following each boat´s captain´s orders   who will take the swimmers as close as possible to beach, where they have to re-enter water to get to the finish.( This landing point can be modified according to conditions and criteria of the organization)

During the evacuation, the swimmers will maintain their position and will proceed as cautiously as possible

Once the swim is cancelled, all swimmers have the obligation to obey the members of security and organization, not being able to continue with the swim on their own or in the track of the race.

Important.  The swimmers must go through the Finish check point so that the chip can register, that all swimmers have reached safety

In event of cancellation they must not remove chip in the boat nor hand to anyone else, as this is part of the safety system

In case of loss of the chip, or not having it is very important to inform the control or security staff member . As well as giving ones name to the members of the organization to the registration/checking of swimmers.

ORDER,CALMNESS, PRECAUTIONS AND CARE

INDIVIDUAL SAFETY MEASURES REQUIRED OF EACH SWIMMER

Swimming cap bearing your entry number.

Control Chip.

Safety whistle

Buoy bearing your entry number

All these are mandatory for all participants and also throughout all the swim. The non- use of any of them will mean the organization  will remove you from the water.

SWIMMERS’ OBLIGATIONS.

CHECKING  THAT YOU GOT ALL SECURITY ITEMS BEFORE YOU BOARD.

Checking they all work properly

Try them out.

Tell the organization or security any problems that could arise with these safety items.

REASONS FOR BEING REMOVED FROM THE WATER:

The swimmer requests it  personally.

Not using the individual security elements properly

Not showing coodination in their swimming .

Showing evident symptoms of tiredness.

Those who stray more than 25 metres from the route marked,

Showing  an aggressive behavior or lack of fair play towards other swimmers or organizers

Not providing  help to any other swimmer who requests it  or needs it

Inappropriate use of the emergency whistle

Exceed the established time limits for the different distances.

Not following the organization’s  indications or requirements.

Producing any risk increase, for himself, another swimmer, member of the organization, kayak, volunteer or partner.

Any other circumstance not covered by these Rules, but which in the opinion of the Security members, could merit being picked up from the water.

The organization can order the disqualification  of the swim  to any swimmer who does not fulfil these rules or any  other circumstance not covered by these rules, but which in the opinion of the security control of the swim  merit so  during and before  the swim.

PRE-ESTABLISHED PROCEDURE TO REQUEST HELP IN CASE OF NEED.

Use the whistle

Use the individual security buoy before getting to the limit.

Make gestures with hands pointing to the nearest  rescue staff

In case of urgent need for help , tell one or even several swimmers who will provide help and stay by your side