Race Rules
Rules
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER BEFORE RACE BEGINS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES.
* As of January 1, 2010, body suits are NOT allowed.
* Wetsuits are permitted, but are NOT scored for awards.
* SWIMMERS MUST CHECK IN during official check-in times, ON RACE DAY AT ALEXANDER PARK TO HAVE RACE NUMBER MARKED ON SHOULDER WHICH MUST BE WORN FOR THE ENTIRE SWIM.
* Flotation devices and/or equipment not permitted except goggles/masks, nose clip, ear plugs, swimsuit and cap.
* Standing on the bottom is permitted but walking or jumping forward is not permitted.
* The race director’s decision is final.
* One Mile Swim cut-off time is 55 minutes from the start horn. Placing outside this time will not be recorded, and swimmer will not be eligible for awards or random prizes although we will have a backup manual timer on hand if you wish to finish beyond these cutoff times.
* All swimmers must finish the race by running through the finish flags area and PAST the timing table.
* PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW SWIMMERS!!! FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS WE ASK THAT YOU MOVE BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE FINISH LINE AFTER FINISHING TO AVOID CROWDING OTHER SWIMMERS CROSSING THE FINISH LINE.
* In case of emergency in the water, the air horn will be sounded repeatedly. Please get out of the water immediately SEE FOLLOWING SAFETY PAGE .
* Entrants must be present at Awards ceremony to be eligible for prizes and awards.
Weather and Cancellation Policy:
No Cash Refunds: Due to the growing popularity of this event and in an attempt to treat everyone the same, we ask that you only sign up if you are certain that you can complete the event. If you sign up and are then unable to participate, you have taken the slot of someone who is able to participate but cannot because the event is full. Unfortunately we have experienced instances where individuals sign up for the event just to save a spot, then decide not to participate, cancel their entry and expect a credit or refund. This is not fair to those who legitimately want and are able to participate. The responsibility is yours – if you register to participate, you pay. We will accommodate extreme circumstances on a one-by-one basis. It is also possible that circumstances beyond the control of the Event Director (e.g. severe weather, changes in governmental policies affecting the event course, acts of God such as fire or flood or similar unforeseen circumstances) could cause substantial modification or even cancellation of the event. In such event, there would be no refund to participants nor any reimbursement for event related expenses incurred by participants. However, all registered participants will still receive registration items such as t-shirt and caps and will be automatically registered if we re-schedule the event. If no re-schedule date is confirmed, your registration will carry over to the following year. Our event has a proud reputation as unique, one of kind open water event in the United States, and we look forward to another successful year. However, we do want you to understand, before registering, the above policies and how they may affect you as a participant.
Swimmers will be briefed and directed to follow this Safety Plan at the Pre–Race briefing on the beach prior to the start.
Distressed swimmer – Any swimmer asking for assistance, waving arms or swimmers has low, slow body position.
If you are a distressed swimmer requiring assistance wave your arms and/or take your cap off and wave in the air toward the beach, a lifeguard will approach the swimmer (the swimmer will be considered disqualified – DQ- if they seek assistance).
Closing the Course for Lightning / Storm conditions or Boat / Swimmer Accident
***Ft. Lauderdale Ocean Rescue uses a long single blast on the whistle plus waving of bright orange flags by the lifeguards if the course needs to be closed. The Whistle blast will alert all Swimmers to head straight to the beach and report back to the registration area ASAP. All swimmers that check in at the start of the race must report to the registration area if they leave the course at any time other than the finish line.****
Beach Safety
Designated First Aid/Lifeguard Stations are stationed on the beach at lifeguard stands provided by the City of Ft. Lauderdale. IN CASE JELLYFISH STINGS PLEASE SEE THESE LIFEGUARD STANDS. The First Aid Stations are equipped with basic first aid supplies along with Supplemental Oxygen and an AED.
** THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE DURING JELLYFISH SEASON. OCCASSIONALY JELLYFISH EXIST IN LARGE NUMBERS DURING JANUARY IN SOUTH FLORIDA. JELLYFISH AND OTHER OCEAN HAZARDS ARE A PART OF OUR SPORT. THOUGH STINGS ARE NOT LIFE THREATENING TO MOST PEOPLE THEY ARE PAINFUL. IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS, OTHER STINGS OR HAVE KNOWN ALLERGIES IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DO NOT SWIM THIS EVENT. IF YOU DO YOU SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
In case of any medical emergency, report to the lifeguard tower for assistance.
***THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT UNLESS WEATHER IS SEVERE ***
In the case of severe weather before start:
RACE DAY- In the event of bad weather that may cause this event to be delayed or canceled as stated above the following protocol will be followed.
* A safety assessment of the current weather at race time will be determined by FLRS staff and Race Director and local law enforcement agencies.
* If the Ft. Lauderdale Roughwater Swim (FLRS) staff , Ft. Lauderdale Ocean Rescue (FLOR) or local law enforcement agencies feel it is unsafe to compete, the race will be delayed 15-30 minutes.
* After the first delay period up to 30 minutes has passed another assessment will be conducted at that time.
* If the FLRS staff and local law enforcement agencies feel it is safe the race will then be started.
* In the event that the weather does not allow the event to start after the first delay a second and final 15 minute delay will be put in place.
* After the second 15 minute delay has passed and it is safe to compete the race will then be started.
* In the event that the weather does not allow the event to start after the second delay the race will then be canceled.
* Upon the cancellation of the event it may be rescheduled for that calendar year.
* If it is not rescheduled, your registration will be carried over to the following year.