Rules & Regulations:
For the very first time, Open Water Swimmers’ Foundation
presents its 1st Swimathon!
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RACE DAY: 19th May, 2024
Location & Start point: Gunjur lake, Doddaballapura
Age groups:
1) Group 1: Age 12 – 18 years: 500 meters
2) Group A: Age 18 – 25 years: 1 km, 2 km, 3 km
3) Group B: Age 25 – 40 years: 1 km, 2 km, 3 km
4) Group C: Age 40 – 60 years: 1 km, 2 km, 3 km
5) Group D (Senior swimmers): Age 60 – 70 years: 1 km, 2 km, 3 km
6) Group E (Senior swimmers): Age over 70 years: 1 km, 2 km, 3 km
Schedule:
Swimmers for each category are requested to report at the specified reporting time.
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• Register & kindly submit copies of: Govt Issued ID, prior OWS Certificate & Medical certificate (Senior
swimmers)
• Sign the Disclaimer/Indemnity form
• Get your bib number written on your arm.
• Collect your swimming cap, T-shirt, and timing chip
• Collect food coupons. Food coupons are free for participants. For people accompanying the participant,
food coupons can be purchased at Rs. 100/- during registration.
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Rules & Regulations:
1. Course Completion:
• Swimmers must complete the entire course as registered for, respecting all designated turning
buoys/markers and course boundaries.
2. Registration and BIB Collection:
• Register at the desk at the reporting point and kindly submit copies of: Govt issued photo ID proof, prior
OWS Certificate & Medical certificate (Senior swimmers)
• Obtain your BIB No# marked on your upper arms in BOLD before entering the start point.
• Ensure you have collected your timing chip.
• Collect food coupons for participants & people accompanying the participant
3. Sportsmanship and conduct at the venue:
• Please carry your own bottles there are several hydration points at the venue.
• All participants are expected to display exemplary sportsmanship throughout the event.
• Always respect fellow swimmers, officials, and spectators.
• Any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to taunting, cheating, or disrespecting
officials, will result in disciplinary action, including possible disqualification from the event.
• The use of abusive, offensive, or inappropriate language is strictly prohibited.
• Any violation of this rule may lead to immediate disqualification from the event and further disciplinary
measures.
• Always maintain a clean and orderly environment.
• Dispose of trash at designated bins.
• Take care of your belongings properly, event organizers are not responsible for loss or misplacements
of them.
4. Allowed equipment:
• Earplugs and nose clips are permitted.
• Any equipment that aids in *Performance-Enhancement* (detailed below) for the swim is not
allowed.
• Usage of safety buoy/Tow Float is permitted but is not mandatory. Tow Floats are available for sale
at the venue.
5. Safety Responsibility:
• Each swimmer is responsible for their safety as well as the safety of others.
• Follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by event officials and lifeguards.
• Any swimmer observing a safety concern must report it immediately to event staff or lifeguards.
• Reckless behavior, including diving into shallow water or interfering with other swimmers, will not be
tolerated and may result in disqualification and removal from the premises.
6. Swimming Strokes:
• Any stroke (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly) can be used for the entire distance of the
swim.
7. Support and Hydration:
8. Please carry your own bottles there are several hydration points at the venue.
• Support boats and staff will be stationed throughout the course with water, hydration, and bananas for
swimmers.
9. Equipment and Attire:
• Swimmers must use appropriate swimming attire/ Tri-suits for the event including swimming cap &
goggles.
• Participants wearing Wetsuits will not be eligible for podium.
• Use of any equipment or gear that may provide an unfair advantage is prohibited.
10. Fair Play:
• Swimmers must adhere to the rules and regulations of each race as outlined by event organizers.
• Any intentional violation of race rules, such as false starts or intentional interference with other
swimmers, will result in disqualification.
• Respect the integrity of the event and compete fairly and honestly.
11. Compliance with Officials:
• Swimmers must comply with the instructions and decisions made by event officials and judges.
• Failure to follow the directions of officials may result in penalties, including disqualification from races
or the event.
12. Protests and Appeals:
• Any concerns or disputes regarding race results, officiating decisions, or rule interpretations must be
addressed through the official protest and appeal process outlined by event organizers.
• Respect the decisions of the officials and abide by their rulings.
13. Code of Conduct Violations:
• Violation of any of the rules and regulations outlined above may result in penalties, including warnings,
disqualification from races or the event, and suspension from future competitions.
• Event organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action against any individual whose conduct is
deemed detrimental to the safety, integrity, or reputation of the event.
14. Health Advisory:
• Participants with communicable diseases, open cuts, or healing wounds are advised not to swim for
their safety and the safety of others.
15. Belongings Responsibility:
• Participants are responsible for their belongings. The organizers are not liable for any loss or damage.
16. Things to carry:
• Participants must carry their Govt issued ID Card & carry their prior OWS certificate. If they do not have
prior OWS certificate they will be requested to move to 1 km category.
• Senior citizen participants must carry medical certificate.
• Govt issued photo ID proof: In case of a minor (< 18 years of age), a parent or guardian will be required
to provide ID proof as well. Guardians will need to hand over a letter from the parents of the swimmer
stating that they are authorized to the sign the indemnity form for the swimmer on the behalf of the
parents.
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There are several markers throughout the course of the swim, boats, lifeguards & support staff to guide you. The course is 500 meters from the bank to the lake & back. There will be one buoy/marker/boat at 250 meters for 500 meters swim & turn around buoy/marker/boat at 500 meters for 1 km, 2 km & 3 km:
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a) 3 km: 3 Loops of 1 km (turn at 500-meter jetty/marker)
b) 2 km: 2 Loops of 1 km (turn at 500-meter jetty/marker)
c) 1 km: 1 Loops of 500 meter (turn at 500-meter jetty/marker)
d) 500 meters: 1 Loop (turn at 250-meter buoy/marker/boat)
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At the finish, please collect your Finisher medal. E-certificates will be issued in a few days
- PLEASE DO NOT THROW DRY OR WET WASTES IN THE LAKE, HAND THEM OVER TO OUR SAFETY CREW.
- KINDLY USE THE SEVERAL DRY & WET WASTE BINS KEPT AROUND THE PREMISIS!
- KEEP THE LAKE & SURROUNDING AREAS CLEAN THAT’S WHAT OWSF IS ABOUT:
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WE SWIM TO REVIVE NATURE
* Performance-Enhancing* equipment’s are:
1. Equipment that may retain or increase warmth – e.g., wetsuits, neoprene caps, booties, gloves.
2. Equipment that may increase speed – e.g., flippers, paddles.
3. Equipment that may increase buoyancy - e.g., pull buoys, wetsuits.
4. Auditory pacing aids - e.g., music players, metronomes.
5. Underwater streamers.
6. Performance-enhancing drugs
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Encourage, support, respect and motivate your friends- some of you are doing this for the first time. Let us strive to make this experience such that you will want to join us again!
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You are solely responsible for your performance on Event Day!
Give your best! We are there to cheer for you!
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See you all at the Start line!
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Please note: Registrations are non-refundable or non-transferable. There can be changes made at the day of the event at the discretion of the organisers. Timings, date & locations may change based on weather conditions, Govt regulations/permissions and or other conditions
