​​​​​​​General Event Rules

Swimmers are ultimately responsible for their own physical condition and ensuring they have trained appropriately for their event.  While every effort will be made to ensure a safe and fun event, organisers are unable to absolutely guarantee swimmer safety.

While not compulsory it is recommended that swimmers in the two longer events wear a wetsuit to assist with buoyancy and warmth.  Ocean temperatures in Timaru are generally in the range 14 – 17° C in January.

No swimmer shall be permitted to use or wear any device which may be an aid to their speed, endurance or buoyancy (with the exception of a wetsuit).  Goggles, extra swim cap, nose clip and ear plugs may be used.  Swim paddles, webbed gloves or flippers/fins are not permitted to be worn.  No outside assistance of a swimmer is permitted except from safety craft personnel.

Swimmers must wear the cap provided to them at race registration.  If more than one swim cap is being worn the event cap must be worn on the outside.

Swimmers must swim the course as instructed at their safety briefing.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Swimmers should be vigilant when swimming around buoys and passing other swimmers.  Purposely obstructing or impeding the progress of another swimmer is prohibited.  Doing so will result in disqualification.

There are first buoy cut-off times set for each event.  Swimmers who are unable to reach the first marker buoy within the designated time for their event will be removed from the water by the safety craft personnel.

Good sportsmanship is expected of all swimmers.  Acts of grossly unsportsmanlike conduct are grounds for disqualification.  The determination of whether an act is deemed unsportsmanlike is at the sole discretion of the Event Manager.  In all rulings the Event Manager’s decision will be final and there will be no right of protest.

Swimmers are expected to heed directions and instructions from all event officials both on and off the water.  Participation in the event is at the discretion of the Event Manager who reserves the right to reject or withdraw any swimmer either before or during the event.

Entry Close Off

On-line entries for all events will close at midnight on Friday 12th January 2024.  Late entries will be taken on the day of the event at the race registration table however they will incur an additional late entry fee of $10.00 for the 5.0km, 2.5km and 1.5km events and $5.00 for the 500m event.

Race Day Registration

Swimmers will be able to register for their event from 8.00am onwards on the morning of the event.  At swimmer registration you will receive your race swim cap and have your race number written on your hand with a permanent marker pen.  Registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start time for each event.

Race Timing

Swimmers numbers and times will be recorded as they come up the finish chute at the end of their race.  Please make sure you hold your hand out so the timekeepers can clearly see your race number.  If your number is written on your left hand (male competitors) you should run up the left hand side of the chute.  If your number is written on your right hand (female competitors) you should run up the right hand side of the chute.

Race Results

These will be published for events as soon as they are available and displayed at the race registration table.

Prize Giving

Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female home in each of the following age categories: 

500m Race : 13 yrs and under; 14 – 17 yrs; 18 yrs and over

1.5km Race : 20 yrs and under; 21 – 39 yrs; 40 yrs and over

2.5km Race : 24 yrs and under; 25 – 49 yrs; 50 yrs and over

5.0km Race : 29 yrs and under; 30 - 54 yrs; 55 yrs and over

There will also be a number of spot prizes up for grabs including the major spot prize of a Huub wetsuit.  You must be present at the draw to be eligible to claim a spot prize.

Event Course Changes/Cancellation

In the event of unsuitable race conditions for the longer events an alternative course wholly within Caroline Bay will be used.  If conditions are considered unsafe even within the confines of Caroline Bay the event will be cancelled.  A text message will be sent out to all participants by 7.30am on the Sunday morning if the event is to be cancelled. 

Should the event need to be cancelled because of conditions outside our control there will be no refund of entry fees.