OPEN WATER SWIMMING GUIDE

2022 Edition
Contents

PRESIDENT`S FOREWORD .................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................4
PART I. Open Water Swimming Event Structure ....................................................................5
1. World Championships ..................................................................................................5
2. FINA Marathon Swim World Series..............................................................................5
PART II. Technical Organization ............................................................................................8
1. Organizational Structure ..............................................................................................9
2. FINA Officials .............................................................................................................11
3. Referees ....................................................................................................................12
4. Organisational tasks ..................................................................................................28
5. Venue and Facilities ..................................................................................................33
6. Competition Area and the Course ..............................................................................34
7. Start and the Race .....................................................................................................37
8. Sport Technology, Timing & Scoring ..........................................................................39
9. Technical / Team leaders` Meeting ............................................................................39
10. Medical Services and Doping control .....................................................................39
11. Safety and security .................................................................................................45
12. Accreditation Procedures .......................................................................................46
PART III. Marketing ..............................................................................................................47
1.1 General ..................................................................................................................47
1.2 Sponsorship ...........................................................................................................47
1.3 Advertising .............................................................................................................49
1.4 Right packages guidelines......................................................................................51
PART IV. Video and Broadcast Coverage ............................................................................57
1. For event with or without a Live TV production obligations .........................................57
2. For event with a Live TV production obligations .........................................................57
PART V. Communication & Promotional Activities................................................................58
1. Event promotion - pre-event, during and after ............................................................58
2. Website .....................................................................................................................58
3. Social media platforms...............................................................................................59
PART VI. Sports Presentation ..............................................................................................60
1. Key Elements ............................................................................................................60
2. Awarding Ceremony ..................................................................................................60
PART VII. Rules and Regulations .........................................................................................62
APPENDIX 1. Safety Regulations ........................................................................................63

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APPENDIX 2. Event Checklist ..............................................................................................68
APPENDIX 3. Competition Documents ................................................................................74
Timekeepers and Judges Form ........................................................................................74
Chief Timekeepers Form – determined times ...................................................................75
Turn Judges Form ............................................................................................................76
Chief Judges Form – determined placing ..........................................................................77
Recorders Result Sheet ....................................................................................................78
Infraction Report / DQ Form ..............................................................................................79
Protest Form .....................................................................................................................80

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PRESIDENT`S FOREWORD

It is my great pleasure to introduce you the FINA Open Water Swimming Guide 2022.
Since 2008, the 10km event for men and women in marathon swimming is included in the
Olympic Games competition programme.
From that memorable year, five FINA disciplines – swimming, diving, water polo, artistic
swimming and open water swimming – are represented at Olympic level.
This achievement demonstrates the value, strength and popularity of open water swimming, a
sport which can be practised by everyone in rivers, lakes or in the sea. It is a sport that is kind
to the environment, reminding people of the need for all individuals to preserve the precious
vital element of water.
Swimming in open water constitutes the most “natural” of Aquatic sports and the Olympic and
World Championships’ achievements represent a fair reward for the hard work and devotion
of our 209 Member National Federations in the five continents.
This popularity also highlights the added value of the aquatic disciplines within the Olympic
programme. At the same time, it represents an additional responsibility for FINA. Together with
its National Federations and Continental Associations, we must continue working for the
development of our Sport worldwide.
This increased visibility also leads to the importance of having such a manual. In this occasion,
I would like to thank the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee for the hard work
in the production of this useful tool.
I wish all those reading and following this manual a fruitful work and rewarding competitions.
Your winning strategy decisively contributes to the success of FINA.

Husain Al-Musallam
FINA President

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INTRODUCTION

This manual is intended to set the minimum standard requirement for the staging of a FINA
Open Water Swimming (OWS) event. This will create consistency on a global level, uniformity
in the format and ultimately but most important promoting OWS to a wider audience. At the
same time, it will assist in the training and skill development of officials in the conduct of OWS
Competitions to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of Rules and procedures
to foster a common understanding of the operation and officiating of FINA Open Water
Swimming competitions across the globe.
Every open water swimming event will have specific challenges depending upon the venue,
type of water, start and finish points, and safety considerations. While covering these points in
general terms, each organising committee should appoint local specialists to adopt the
guidelines to fit their specific needs, whilst observing the rules, regulations and policies
required for the conduct of FINA Open Water Swimming competitions or those local events
conducted under FINA rules.
Whether it is a 1600 metre lake swim or a 25 kilometre ocean swim, a carnival-like atmosphere
usually prevails at open water events, despite the arduous demands placed on the swimmers.
Great respect is afforded those aquatic athletes who conquer any open water challenge. Those
who organize the technical support and provide for the safety of these athletes must also be
recognised for their efforts.
For many years, the majority of open water competitions were reserved for the hardy few who
would specialize in specific training to overcome the special challenges they would face.
However, over the past two decades literally millions of swimmers at every level have ventured
into the world of open water swimming. With the increasing popularity of triathlons and the
thousands of recreational and competitive open water races now offered around the world, this
number continues to increase rapidly. Many of these uninitiated swimmers have little idea of
what they are getting themselves into, and the hazards and potential for trouble or tragedy
have multiplied. The need for efficiently organising safe swims was always an imperative, and
today this imperative is all the more important.
FINA has certainly been at the forefront of this growing phenomenon and has included open
water swimming in its World Championships since 1991. New distances and a team event
have been added, and National and Continental organisations were encouraged to provide
Championship events.
With the inclusion of the 10km event for men and women in the Olympic Games’ aquatic
programme from 2008, FINA has contributed to increased interest and support for open water
swimming worldwide.
This guide serves as a valuable resource to officials and organisers at all levels. Inevitably,
sooner or later, the unexpected will occur, and what often determines successful outcomes is
knowledge of the Rules, and regulations policies and procedures, their application, good
judgement, and an understanding of all the roles and what is required to rectify the situation.

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PART I. Open Water Swimming Event Structure

1. World Championships
FINA World and Junior World Championships are organized in every two years. For staging of
the World championships please refer to the valid FINA Practices and Procedures, as well as
the staging agreement.

- Races and distances:

Distances for both men and women: 5km, 10km, 25km
Team relay event:6 km with 2 male and 2 female swimmers completing 1.5km each.
- Participants:
Each member federation may enter a maximum of two (2) males and two (2) females
per individual event. For team events, the member can enter only one (1) team per
event. At the Junior World Championships, only swimmers who are entered in
individual events can take part in the at that Team Event.

Age groups of the Junior World Championships as of 31st of December of the year of the
championship:
• 14-15 years boys and girls
• 16-17 years boys and girls
• 18-19 years boys and girls

- Races and distances:

o 14-15 years 5 km boys and girls
o 16-17 years 7.5 km boys and girls
o 18-19 years 10 km boys and girls
o Team events in 14-15-16 and U19 - 5 km with 2 male and 2 female swimmers
completing 1.25km each.
- Participants:
Each member federation may enter a maximum of two (2) males and two (2) females
in each age group per individual event. For team events, the member can enter only
one (1) team per event. Only swimmers who are entered in individual events at the
Junior World Championships can take part in the Team Event.
- Schedule:
o Day 1 AM 14-15 years 5 km, PM 16-17 years 7.5 km
o Day 2 AM 18-19 years 10 km
o Day 3 AM 14-16 years Relay Event, PM Open Relay Event

2. FINA Marathon Swim World Series

The FINA Marathon Swim World Series is an annual staged elite level competition series. The
course may be fresh water (e.g. lake, reservoir, rowing course, river) or saltwater (sea). The
Series consist of a number of competitions staged by the Organising Committees under the
recognition of host National FINA-Member Federations and staged throughout the year on

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dates approved by FINA. The 10km event is organised together with a Mass Participation
Event.
An event with over 200 participants taking part shall constitute a mass participation swim.
Competition should be organized for different age groups over different distances. The
participants will swim at the same location as the elite event and ideally utilise the elite course
(in part or a full lap of the elite course).

The mass participation event will:

• Increasing revenue for event organisers,
• Raising the profile of the elite race,
• Providing an opportunity for additional sponsors,
• Increasing participation in open water swimming events,
• Establish a stronger global brand for the FINA 10km events.
For more information, please refer to the Mass Participation Swims Event operating manual
available on the FINA website.
The Event shall be organized in accordance with the valid FINA Marathon Swim World Series
Rules and Regulations and with all relevant FINA Rules. (www.fina.org)

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 FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series (event, 1 day)
2018-2021
FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

Costs Paid by Income Received by

Sponsoring
Bank Guarantee $ 25'000 OC n/a OC
national deals
TV Broadcasting
Insurance n/a OC TBD FINA/OC
rights
Athletes n/a NFs Merchandising n/a OC
Coaches n/a NFs
Invited Athletes (max 18) n/a NFs
International
Coaches of invited athletes n/a NFs
Travels
FINA Delegates (4) n/a FINA
FINA Suppliers (3) n/a OC
FINA Executives n/a FINA
Athletes n/a NFs
Coaches n/a NFs
Invited Athletes (max 18) n/a OC
Accomodation Coaches of invited athletes n/a NFs
FINA Delegates (5) n/a OC
FINA Suppliers (3) n/a OC
FINA Executives n/a FINA
Local Transportation n/a OC
Venues and Facilities n/a OC
Equipments n/a OC
Medical Service n/a OC
Doping Control Tests n/a OC
Medals and trophies n/a OC
Entry and Results System (MICROPLUS) n/a OC
Event Promotion n/a OC
Uniforms n/a OC
Branding, signage n/a OC
Event Programme n/a OC
Livestreaming/Broadcasting n/a OC
Prize Money per leg $ 30'000 OC
Yearly Overall Prizemoney contribution $ 10'000 OC
Overall Prizemoney (yearly, both genders) TBA FINA
FINA Delegates (4) $ 5'000 FINA
Per diem FINA Suppliers (3) n/a OC
FINA Executives n/a FINA

Stay of Delegates 5 days

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PART II. Technical Organization

Bids to stage a FINA Event shall be submitted to the FINA Office.

Full details of the criteria for staging of a FINA Event are available from the FINA office. Before
bids are made the would-be host federation shall clearly establish the following points:
• A suitable course is available that meets FINA Rules.
• All Safety requirements can be met.
• Certification of suitability for use from local health and safety Authorities (including
water quality)
• Temperature limits will not be exceeded.
• Sufficient funding can be provided to cover all organisational requirements.
• Sufficient numbers of FINA-qualified open water technical officials are available to
officiate during the Event. Ideally, these people should be located in different hotels
from the swimmers.
In order to allow FINA to make a fair appraisal of a bid, submitting Federations should ensure
that the fullest details are given of the course, organising committee, funding, promotion and
media coverage.
Upon being awarded a FINA Event the Host Federation shall notify all member Federations of
FINA details of the date, venue and course. Course details shall include type of water (salt or
fresh), temperature range, tidal/current parameters, type of escort craft, medical service, safety
and details of any competitions taking place on or over parts of the course prior to the event.
The Host Federation shall appoint a liaison officer to work with, and keep informed, through
the FINA Office the Technical Open Water Swimming Committee (TOWSC).

The Organising Committee

The Organising Committee appointed by the Host Federation shall be responsible for providing
the items or facilities given below, and for checking, correcting and/or maintaining the various
requirements before and throughout the competition. The details given in the FINA Handbook
concerning Open Water Swimming should be carefully consulted well in advance.

The Technical Open Water Swimming Committee

The FINA Bureau as the Management Committee conducts Open Water Swimming
competitions at the World Championships and other FINA events through the appointed
TOWSC Commission, which consists of the
• Bureau Liaison to the TOWSC,
• the Chairman,
• the vice-Chairman and
• the Secretary
• with the other members of TOWSC acting as the assisting body.

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The TOWSC responsibilities:
• Co-ordinate with the Host Federation on all details for the conduct of the open water
swimming competitions at the FINA World Championships and on other FINA events.
• Conduct a final inspection of facilities prior to the start of competitions, including any
automatic timing equipment to be used.
• Make Recommendations to the FINA Bureau of suitably qualified technical officials
from National Federations (including the Host Federation) for appointment to officiate
at the World Championships and Olympic Games.
• Conduct meetings for the briefings of Delegates and Team Managers of participating
member Federations two days before the start of the competition.
• Conduct briefings for Technical Meet Officials who will participate in the control of the
competition.
• Prepare a report for the FINA Bureau.

The TOWSC Duties

For World Championships, Olympic Games, and Junior World Championships, the allocation
of tasks for the TOWSC will require the participation of all members of the Committee in the
preparation and conduct of the competition. In particular:
• Entries : To review all applications and start lists. Application to compete will only be
accepted from member Federations of FINA. Individual entries from swimmers will not
be accepted.
• Officials: To check all officials are accounted for.
• Protocol: To assist and ensure proper protocol is observed.
• Media: To assist the FINA Media Commission and national officer appointed on matters
related to FINA.
• Results: To review and approve the ratified results list.
• Medical: To receive the report of the medical officer on pre-event medicals and in
partnership with the FINA Sports Medicine Committee to review the Medical Action
Plan and drug testing arrangements, and implementation thereof.
• Safety: To receive the report of the safety officer and review the Safety Plan to ensure
that all safety precautions are in place for the event.
• Competition: To supervise all other arrangements.
For other FINA Open Water Swimming events, these responsibilities are undertaken by the
FINA Delegates appointed to the particular event.

1. Organizational Structure
The Organising Committee shall consist of:
o Event manager
- Responsible for the overall conduct of the event.
- Undertakes and follows up all contractual obligations of the OC.

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 - Sets up the organisational structure of the event.
- Serves as main contact for FINA, the NFs, FINA delegates and referees.

o Competition director
- Coordinates all technical aspects of the event – schedule, competition course
and facilities, equipment, sport technology, result update.
- Works closely with FINA delegates, referees.

o Accommodation manager
- Responsible for the board and lodging of participants.
- Negotiates with the official hotels.
- Administer and follow up the accommodation demand of the NFs and the FINA
delegates.

o Logistics manager
- Responsible for the local transportation of the participants.
- Responsible for the necessary logistics of equipment.

o Technical manager
- Reports to the Event and Competition Director.
- Coordinates all IT matters.
- Ensures the necessary hardware.
- Ensures the necessary conditions for time-keeping, broadcasting and event
administration.

o Financial director
- Establishes and follows the event`s budget, cash flow, invoicing, payments.
- Confirm fiscal legislation related to the prize money payments.
- Provides tax declaration form to athletes if requested.
- Negotiates with FINA accounting

o Head of medical services

- Must be a physical certified in sport medicine.
- Ensures that medical facilities and services including anti-doping controls are set
up as per Medical Regulations.
- Verifies nutritional balance and environmental conditions for the safety and well-
being of the athletes, officials, volunteers.
- Ensures medical services and equipment available at the venue.
- Keeps accurate medical records of all assessments and treatment provided by
medical stuff during the event.

o Head of media
- Must have an experience in running a media centre for an international sports
event and excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Prepares an effective communication plan, including promotion, media and PR
actions.
- Collects athlete info and prepares biographies for the media.
- Prepares and communicates event information to FINA Media Department, local
media, TV broadcasters, radio.
- Ensures the set-up, equipment and operation of the media centre.
- Prepares and organizes press conferences, and issues press releases.

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 - Coordinates interviews with athletes and VIPs.
- Coordinates the work of photographers to ensure high-quality pictures also
available for FINA website.

o Head of protocol
- Works on and implements the sport presentation program and coordinates the
team.
- Coordinates the awarding ceremony.
- Responsible for the invitation of the VIP guest and the services provided at the
venue.

o Head of volunteers
- Recruits, selects and educate volunteers.
- Coordinates the work of the volunteers during the event.

2. FINA Officials
FINA has identified a number of roles as being necessary for the effective conduct of Open
Water Swimming competitions. Some of these roles require involvement from early in the
planning of the competition whilst other operational roles require involvement for a much
shorter time-span - from the Technical and Safety briefings through until they are released
from their duties by the Chief Referee following the conclusion of the competition.

For FINA Events, the Chief Referee, Safety Officer and Medical Officer need to work
collaboratively with the FINA Technical, Safety and Medical Delegates to ensure all relevant
rules, regulations, and other event criteria are fulfilled.

The need to focus on the race and ensuring the competitors are well managed throughout the
event, means that technical officials may not act in more than one capacity simultaneously.
Officials may only undertake a new duty once all of the responsibilities of their initial posting
have been fulfilled.

Unless a particular role requires an official on-site earlier, officials should be at the venue at
least 90 minutes before the start of the competition. Upon arrival officials must report to the
Chief Referee (or the Referee delegated this task) and receive an updated start list, and any
special instructions as to their duties and assignment.

The following officials shall be appointed at Open Water Swimming competitions:

A Chief Referee (one per race)
Referees (2 minimum, additional Referees proportional to race entries)
Chief Timekeeper plus 2 Timekeepers
Chief Finish Judge plus 2 Finish Judges
Safety Officer
Medical Officer
Course Officer
Clerk of the Course
Race Judges (one per competitor) except for events with a course of 10 km or less
Turn Judges (one per alteration of Course)
Feeding Platform Judge (when feeding platforms are used)
Starter

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 Announcer
Recorder
NOTE: No official can act in more than one role simultaneously. They may only
undertake a new role after all of the obligations of their previous role have been
fulfilled.
Duties of the officials are defined in the FINA Open Water Swimming Rules,

3. Referees
The Chief Referee has ultimate oversight for the conduct of the competition, so his/her
responsibilities are wide ranging. The overarching duty is to ensure that the competition is run
fairly and in accordance with the rules. This means they need to be involved in the planning of
the competition from an early stage to ensure all aspects of the Rules (including Bylaws and
Regulations) are respected. This is especially true where there is no Management Committee
(refer GR 9.4.2 and BL 11.1.2) appointed. Close liaison with the Safety Officer, Medical Officer
and Course Officer are required to ensure a safe competition environment is planned and
implemented.
The Chief Referee must be very familiar with the rules and should keep a current copy readily
at hand for reference. Despite how well one may think they know the rules, it is always good
to refer to the written copy to ensure the application is correct. The most up-to-date version
can be found on the FINA website (www.fina.org). The Chief Referee is the decision-maker in
any issues so it is important that any decisions are made fairly and impartially, with good
judgement, knowledge of the rules and a sense of fair play. The rules do not cover every
circumstance, so it is the best judgement of the Chief Referee to determine those matters not
covered.
The Chief Referee is responsible for approving all of the appointments of the officials, and
ensuring they are present in the appropriate locations to conduct their duties or make
replacements or reassign duties as is necessary to conform to the Rules.
In assigning the Referees their duties on the course, the Chief Referee must ensure that
• there are sufficient Referees appointed to be able to cover all the competitors across
the whole of the course throughout the race;
• a Referee is present to observe the approach to the finish, and the finish;
• sufficient Referees stay on the course to officiate the race until its conclusion when all
swimmers have completed the race or been removed from the water under OWS
6.16.1.
Where Men’s and Women’s races are conducted simultaneously on the course, A Chief
Referee shall be designated from the Referees group for each of the Men’s and Women’s
events (OWS 4.10).
Once entries are closed, the Chief Referee/s should arrange with the Organising Committee
to receive a copy of the start list for each event, and confirmation that all conditions of entry
have been met, including the coach/handler information and medical clearance should these
be conditions of entry. The earlier any deficiencies are identified the more time there is to
correct them prior to the start of the event. Because of these entry requirements, it is not

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recommended that any late entries be accepted. For FINA Events, all entries must be approved
by FINA and signed by the swimmers’ Federation submitting the entry.
The Chief Referee/s should arrive at the venue at least 2 ½ hours prior to the scheduled start
of the competition to ensure all of the pre-race preparations are in order.
The Rules state that the temperature of the water shall be taken in the middle of the course 2
hours before the Race starts by a commission comprising a referee, a coach, and a
representative of the Organising Committee (OWS 5.5). It is not necessary for the Chief
Referee to conduct this task directly and it should be considered to delegate this responsibility
to a Referee so that the Chief Referee can remain on shore to be available and coordinate the
necessary pre-race activities.
Once all swimmers have reported and been checked and numbered, the Chief Referee should
receive the report from the Clerk of the Course confirming the final start list of swimmers for
the event, and ensure that this information is conveyed to all officials, including safety and
medical officers.
Prior to the announcement of the swimmers for the start, the Chief Referee should confirm with
the Safety Officer and the Medical Officer that the course is safe, then brief the swimmers and
race officials on any special aspects of the race including anticipated weather conditions, any
changes since the Technical Meeting including any hazards on the course, the water
temperature recorded in accordance with OWS 5.5, and reconfirm the signal for emergency
abandonment. Well organised events will have a risk assessment, and emergency plan which
should be available to the Chief Referee upon request. If these do not exist then the Chief
Referee may decide to conduct a risk assessment and emergency plan, copies of which may
be shared with the Organising Committee for the purpose of education.

The Referees have responsibility for ensuring the rules are followed across the whole of the
course throughout the race. The Chief Referee will assign a position on the course or within
the fields for each Referee to conduct their responsibilities, ensuring all competitors are judged
with equal attention. Referees should monitor the whole of the section of the field they are
assigned, spending time watching each competitor or group before moving to the next, and
then the next and so on through the field, then back through the portion of the field they are
responsible for. Should a Referee have to leave the course for any reason (e.g. refuel or
breakdown) they should inform the Chief Referee who will adjust the assignments to ensure
all of the competitors on the course remain under the scrutiny of the Referees covering the
race.
Referees should use the whistle sparingly to ensure swimmers and coaches/handlers pay
attention to it when it is used. Any infringements observed should be communicated to the
Chief Referee and other Referees as soon as practicable to ensure an accurate status of
infringements is maintained at all times, and that should a second infringement occur, the
correct call is made.

The Starter’s duties will usually be completed within a few minutes following the start of the
Race, unless the start is scheduled in waves, or there are multiple events scheduled
throughout the day.

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Once the Starter has confirmed their appointment, they should contact the Organiser or the
Chief Referee and confirm the type of starting device to be used (e.g. gun, horn – or even
cannon!) and whether this will be provided by the Organisers or the Starter needs to bring their
own. The start rules also require the Starter to visually indicate the start (OWS 4.7), usually by
lowering a flag, so the Starter should also check if this is being provided. The starter needs to
be in a position visible to all competitors at the start, so needs to confirm the location they will
work from. If the starter is unfamiliar with the operation of the starting equipment, then a time
to learn the equipment operation should be arranged.
If necessary, a whistle can be used as the start signal, but this is not recommended and should
only be considered as a back-up solution.
Where the start is being managed in waves due to the number of participants, the starter
should liaise with the Chief Referee, Recorder, and Chief Timekeeper to confirm the delay to
be applied between each wave of the start, and who will advise the Starter of the timings to
ensure the starts are made to time accurately.
If there is only one set of timekeepers and the Men’s and Women’s races are started
separately, the same method can be used to start the two races.
Upon arrival at the venue, the starter should check the starting area can be seen by all
competitors, and check the starting equipment, confirm whether the start will be single start or
waves, and make sure they are present for the pre-race briefing to confirm the start process
and answer any questions that may be required.

The Clerk of the Course will manage the competitor’s pre-race check-in and numbering, and
that all pre-race competitor requirements are met. They will keep the competitors advised of
the time to go prior to the start and at an appropriate time the swimmers will be announced
and invited to take up their starting position, either on the starting platform, or in the water
behind the start line. The in-water start may be a rope between two points that the swimmers
are asked to hold, or a nominal line between two points that they must remain behind until the
start signal is given.
On the signal from the Chief Referee, the Starter should raise the flag above their heads at the
same time as they give the start command to “Take your marks”. When satisfied with the
swimmers are ready for the start the Starter should bring the flag down simultaneously with
giving the audible starting signal.
If in the opinion of the Referee unfair advantage has occurred at the start, the swimmers may
be stopped and the competition restarted. If the rules have not been followed by the
competitors, then the rules must be applied. If a swimmer or swimmers go in the wrong
direction, as long as the instructions in the briefing have been clearly given, then there is no
need to recall the swimmers.
All escort and safety craft should be stationed clear of the start area to ensure no swimmer
experiences interference. Escort boats must navigate to pick up their swimmer in such a
manner as to ensure all swimmers in the race are not impeded.
Once the final wave of starts is completed the Starter is free to undertake any other duties after
making sure their staring equipment is safely and securely stored.

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The Chief Timekeeper’s duties are similar to a pool environment in that they are responsible
for supervising the appointed timekeepers and reports to the Chief Referee on their
performance, including recommendations on any replacements or additional personnel
required.
OWS 3.12 requires 3 timekeepers, and this requirement includes the Chief Timekeeper as
outlined in OWS 2.
The Chief Timekeeper needs to liaise with the Chief Referee, Recorder and Starter to ascertain
the start signal/s that will be given, the time delay for any subsequent starts, and the method
to be used to advise the Starter of the correct moment to give the start signal when these are
time specific. Where a single set of watches is being used for events with multiple starts, the
Chief Timekeeper should also note the actual time of subsequent starts so that an accurate
time deduction can be made to calculate the correct time for swimmers in each start wave.
The Chief Timekeeper should ensure that the manual watches have sufficient capacity to cope
with all the swimmers in a field. Two additional watches are started with the primary start signal,
so that these watches can be used should a stopwatch fail or be accidentally stopped.
The finish may be a vertical plate, a line suspended above the water or a virtual line between
two points/buoys. Timekeepers time all the swimmers in the race, using the lap/split timing
function of their stopwatch. The button should be pushed for every swimmer in the field, even
when they arrive as a group, so the count of times matches the number and relative order of
finish. Where printing stopwatches are used it is useful to write the number of a swimmer next
to their corresponding time every so often to assist in matching the correct times with the
correct swimmers.

Timekeepers may not act as judges under any circumstances. The watches need to have
sufficient memory capacity to be able to record times for all of the swimmers in the race – if
the number of swimmers exceeds the capacity of the available watches, then two sets of
timekeepers should be considered, and the field split accordingly (e.g. separate sets for men
and women).
Where Automatic Officiating equipment is used, Rule OWS 7.2.1 applies in determining a
swimmer’s official time and place. For this reason, times are not provided to swimmers or their
representatives until after the recorders have compiled the results and these have been
checked and confirmed by the Chief Referee.

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A draft Timekeepers summary sheet is included in the race documentation at the back of this
guide.

Timekeepers need to ensure they have means of travelling to the finish area if this is a
separate location to the start.
The Chief Finish Judge is responsible for supervising the appointed Finish Judges and reports
to the Chief Referee on their performance, including recommendations on any replacements
or additional personnel required.
The finish area needs to be checked to ensure there is a clear and unobstructed view of the
finish line for the Finish judges. It may be necessary to negotiate with Timekeepers, and media
to achieve this. The Chief Finish Judge also needs to instruct the Finish Judges to record all
the places they can and leave gaps where places have been missed.
The Chief Finish Judge should work cooperatively with the Clerk of the Course and Recorder
to note any withdrawals from the race to ensure a correct competitor count is maintained so
that the number of swimmers exiting the water matches the number that started the race.
The Chief Finish Judge receives the signed finish order sheets from the Finish Judges and
uses this information to establish the determined order of finish, which is passed to the
Recorder when completed. Some assessment may be required where the Finish Judges have
not been able to establish the finish order of all of the competitors. It is necessary not just to
look at the number of judges that have placed competitor X in a certain ranking, but also the
number of times competitor X is placed ahead of competitor Y.
The Chief Finish Judge will brief the Race Judges on their assignments. The Chief Referee
and/or Chief Finish Judge’s instructions will cover, but not be limited to the following:
• Rules and their application
• Course
• Safety
• Protocol
• Special instructions.

Where the course is a circuit and the finish area also constitutes a turn on the course, Finish
Judges may act as Turn Judges, providing that doing so will not interfere with their
responsibilities to judge the finish of the race. Should these responsibilities be likely to overlap,
then separate officials should be appointed for each role.
Finish Judges must record their placings independently of one another. Where it is not possible
to record all the swimmers arriving in a pack, record those that can be identified, and leave a
gap on the sheet to indicate missing placings, then place the next swimmer/s that can be
identified until all of the field have finished the race or left the water. When recording the
swimmers’ order, the Finish Judge should not murmur or speak out aloud as this may distract
or influence the other Finish Judges.
Once completed, Finish Judges sign their order of finish sheet and then hand it to the Chief
Finish Judge to determine the result.

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Where it is possible to consult with all the Finish Judges, the Chief Finish Judge may ask for
partial results from time to time so that the determination of placings can commence in the
gaps between finishers while the race is still in progress, to allow the overall result to be
produced quicker at the end of the race.
The Chief Finish Judge and Finish Judges shall observe to ensure competitors touch the
Vertical Wall at the finish (at venues where this is used at the finish point of the race) as
required in OWS 7.2.3. Any infractions should be reported to the Chief Referee by the Chief
Finish Judge

Race judges observe the swimmer/s and coach/handlers they are assigned to ensure the
rules are followed. For races longer than 10km, the Race Judges will usually be assigned to
the escort boat of each swimmer.
The Race Judges will be assigned to an escort craft by draw immediately prior to the launching
of the craft. Once assigned, the Race Judge shall immediately load and board the designated
craft. No contact with the swimmer or swimmer’s representative shall take place prior to
boarding.
The Race Judge shall refrain from offering advice on the best routes to follow, but shall ensure
(except on grounds of safety) that the crew follow such directions as the swimmer’s
representative may give.
The Race Judge shall keep a log on all matters pertaining to the swim. This log shall include
violations of rules, time/distance information, and may also include stroke rate, times of feeding
and any other incidents. This information shall be kept in a clear manner to enable inspection
by a Medical Officer should the ability of the swimmer to continue be in any doubt or the Chief
Race Judge if required.
In a small boat for some eight hours or more it is important that a cordial relationship is
established and maintained and that the swimmers are given every opportunity to swim the
course to the best of their ability.
At all times from the start until the assigned swimmer leaves the water, the Race Judge shall
be in such a position as to maintain close observation of their swimmer. With the obvious
problems that arise in being on a small craft for this length of time, care should be taken to
ensure the Race Judge is fully prepared for personal comfort and sustenance.
Infringement rules (OWS 6.3.1): note that these rules apply to the swimmers’ coach/handler
and escort craft as if applying to the swimmer directly. Race Judges therefore need to observe
the swimmer and their coach/handler to ensure no unfair advantage is taken nor any intentional
support given to the swimmer during the race (medical or safety intervention excluded - OWS
6.7.1).
Should it be necessary to intervene to ensure the rules are followed, the matter should be
written down, along with the time, and the outcome and then inform the Chief Finish Judge or
Chief Referee at the earliest possible opportunity.
Race Judges shall, at all times, bear in mind that they are the Chief Referee’s representative,
their primary role being to uphold the rules of the competition and to ensure that the swimmer
and Swimmer’s Representative are competing within the spirit of the sport.

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Turn Judges must be appointed in sufficient quantity such that each change in the course can
be judged by close observation to ensure all swimmers round the mark in accordance with the
course plan and pre-race briefing.
Turn Judges need to closely observe that the swimmers execute each change in the course
and do so in accordance with the instructions they have been given. This means observing to
ensure the swimmers swim around the course mark in the correct direction and without
impeding or otherwise interfering with other swimmers in the race. A record should be kept of
the swimmers’ numbers (or if this is too difficult a count of the swimmers) as they round the
mark. Ideally, the race number of each swimmer should be recorded as they pass the mark,
however this is not always possible so a count of the number of swimmers that have passed
the mark is required as a minimum. Where an infraction is observed, it should be noted
including the swimmer’s number and the time and reported immediately to the Chief Referee.
Many Turn Judges will be in watercraft, unless the turning point is very close to the coast or a
fixed platform is provided. Care should be taken to ensure the craft is positioned carefully so
that all of the swimmers can be seen rounding the mark, taking consideration of wind, tide,
current and other factors to stay close to but clear of the swimming line of the swimmers.

Risk management and event safety were always important requirements, but today there is a
higher focus and increased legal obligation in many countries. The Safety Officer is probably
the most important appointment within the Key Officials group. Ideally the Safety Officer should
be a qualified public safety official such as a senior lifeguard, EMS, coast guard or fire service
officer who is familiar with the management of risk around the conduct of an open water event.
The person appointed to the role of safety officer should have the following attributes:
• Specialist skills in recognising risks and possible dangers.
• Can put in place procedures to isolate, eliminate, or minimise the identified risks.
• Coordinate the combined expertise of others into a single cohesive unit to deliver a
comprehensive safety plan.
• Good attitude and approach, and appropriate judgment in the implementation of the
safety plan.
• Has a good level of spoken and written English.
The Safety Officer will need to get involved in the organisation at a very early stage. They will
have input into the consideration of the course and assessment of its suitability for use for the
competition.
In addition to the Rules, please note that the Safety Officer:
• Co-ordinates with the Course Officer on all aspects of the course. Checks the tidal
conditions/rates of water flow and be satisfied that the course is safe for the conduct of
the Championship.
• Coordinates medical concerns and approaches to remedy the problems with the
Medical Officer.
• Checks with the Course Officer that suitable warnings of the Championship have been
passed to all other craft using, or likely to use, any portion of the course.
• Briefs swimmers, handlers, Race Judges and boat crews on all or any potential safety
hazards and the action to be taken should any happen.
• Checks, prior to the start, evacuation procedures and sites of Medical Teams.

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 • 15 minutes prior to the start confirms to the Chief Referee that, in their opinion, all safety
requirements have been met.
• Inspects the safety and swimmers’ escort craft as being suitable for the purpose
intended. Depending upon conditions appertaining to a particular course, the type of
boat used will vary. In general terms the following criteria should apply :
o The boat should be of sufficient size to be able to contain the crew, the Race
Judge and a Swimmer’s Representative.
o During any 25km championships the swimmer will need to receive refreshment
at regular intervals. Therefore, it is essential that the Swimmer’s
Representative can get close enough to transfer the required refreshment
without impairment or delay to the swimmer.
o If propulsion of the escort boat is achieved by human effort, it must be
remembered that the swimmers will be travelling at up to 4km/h and if there
would be a head wind during the championships, staying with the swimmer
could be very difficult.
o When an escort boat with mechanical propulsion is used, the following points
should be considered:
▪ Exhaust fumes. Vertical or inboard exhausts present little problem;
however, waterline exhausts can cause severe problems for the
swimmer.
▪ At surface speeds of 3 knots or less a standard inboard, or outboard,
engine will be liable to 'oiling up' and require periods of high revolution
bursts to keep the engine clean. These should always be conducted with
the engine in neutral.
▪ When a large engine is used and there is a problem with staying
alongside a swimmer 'Drogues' can be used. One or two buckets
attached to secure lines can be streamed behind the boat to give
additional drag. Care must be exercised that the lines cannot become
tangled in the propellers or cause interference to any other swimmer, or
their escort safety craft.
▪ Toilet arrangements. Consideration should be given to the personal
requirements of those persons who may be in the boat for up to eight or
nine hours.
• Measures and records the water temperature at regular intervals throughout the race
in accordance with the FINA Safety Regulations.
They will need to survey the course with the Course Officer and identify the possible hazards
that may be encountered on the proposed course.
High tide and low tide should be posted in the race information as referral for the swimmers.
• High Tide: The time when the sea or a river reaches its highest level and comes
furthest up the beach.
• Low Tide: The time when the sea has reached its lowest level.
The Safety Officer must ensure all relevant public authorities are aware of the competition and
have given their approval as required in BL 13.2.

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The Medical Officer must be suitably qualified for the role and is responsible to the Organising
Committee for the provision of adequate medical safety cover to ensure the well-being of all
swimmers and provide such facilities as are required under the rules and recommendations of
FINA. During the actual event the Medical Officer’s primary responsibility is to the Chief
Referee and will also act in conjunction with, and liaise with, the Safety Officer.
The Medical Officer’s duties shall include:
• Checking that the water quality for the designated course is safe and suitable for
staging the event and to confirm that there are no other factors (such as shark, crocodile
or jellyfish) which would render the venue undesirable.
• To compile such data on the status of the swimmers as may be requested by the FINA
Sports Medicine Committee.
• Provide for officials, boat crews and swimmers’ representatives an explanation of the
race medical plan. This plan should include swimmer recovery/casualty evacuation
procedures.
• Provide for Medical, First Aid and Paramedic Teams a detailed explanation of the
medical plan together with relevant procedures required for its activation.
• Ensure that all swimmers, at the time of finishing or in the case of withdraw, at the point
of landing are not requiring further medical supervision.
• Providing advice and assistance regarding suitable intake of refreshment or
sustenance to aid recovery from the event.
• Submitting a detailed report on all medical aspects of the Championships together with
any recommendations for the planning and execution of medical plans in future events.
The Medical Officer should visually check the water quality certificate and in conjunction with
the Safety Officer confirm to the Referee that the conditions are acceptable for the conduct of
the competition, including checking factors such as aquatic fauna (e.g. sharks, crocodiles,
jellyfish), currents, and temperature or other conditions that may make conditions hazardous.
The Medical Officer is responsible for oversight of all of the medical aspects of the competition.
In addition to the rules the bylaws and regulations for FINA events also specify medical
responsibilities that need to be observed in the organisation of Open Water Swimming events.
The Medical Officer needs to develop a full Medical Action Plan for the competition detailing:
• First aid on site (both on the water and on the shore)
• The level of equipment to be available on site
o at the venue
o at/on the Field of Play
• Doctor/s on-call or medical facilities available for use by Teams and Officials
• Hospitals that swimmers/officials/team staff will be sent to for initial treatments and/or
more serious care
• Stable transport from the water to land and from land to more advanced medical
facilities and hospitals when deemed necessary. The transport vehicles must allow for
on-going treatment or resuscitation.
• Transport plan for situations where referral to hospital is required
• Methodology and equipment for Medical coordination and communication
• Strategy, method and responsibility of actions in case of emergency
• Coordination contacts with safety and other emergency services

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The detailed medical plan for any given championship will be unique when the vast range of
variables are taken into consideration, especially the variations in temperatures and climatic
conditions. It needs to dovetail with the safety plan covering safety at the venue and on the
course, with the medical plan identifying actions and procedures to be implemented once
swimmers, officials, coaches or others are evacuated to the shore.
The Medical Action Plan needs to be widely distributed so that all involved with the event know
the necessary information as to what treatment is available where and should someone be
taken to hospital or other medical treatment facility, and which one.
Ambulance(s) stationed on site must be comprehensively equipped and staffed with suitably
qualified Paramedic personnel to attend to any medical issues experienced on site, including
advanced cardiac resuscitation.
Should the race conditions require it, the Medical Officer should provide the final physical
examination of the competitors prior to the day of the event, and advise the Chief Referee and
the organisers of any, that in the opinion of the Medical Officer, are medically unfit to participate
in the competition.
The Medical Officer should ensure the availability of sufficient suitably qualified medical
personnel and supervise their examination of the swimmers as they leave the water, either
though withdrawal or at the finish of the race in accordance with Rules OWS 7.4 - 7.7. Even
when the water temperature and air conditions are good it is advisable to have additional
resources at the swim exit. Hypothermia can occur in relatively warm water.
One of the most important factors is course planning, so the Course Officer is another
appointee who needs to be involved right from the outset. There are a number of factors and
guidelines that should be observed, and all need careful consideration for safety and suitability.
These include:
• Climatic data – weather, water and air temperature, prevailing winds (historical for
proposed period)
• Water quality data (Historical for proposed period of the event)
• Anticipated tidal/current information
• Ready access for medical evacuation around/along the course
• Access to appropriate facilities for officials and race organisers to perform their official
functions, and also support facilities such as bathrooms
• Appropriate permissions to use the proposed course
• Information on the bed of the watercourse (hazards, fastening for buoys)
It is important that the course is determined following local advice and assessment of historical
data and measured well in advance. Water quality and current information should be sought
from relevant authorities for the relevant time of year early in the planning to assess the
suitability of a particular course for an Open Water Swimming event. This is to ensure that
changes to the course can be made should weather or sea/water conditions deteriorate.
Consideration should be given to planning an alternative course that can be put into effect with
the minimum of delay.
The course should be carefully chosen, as the primary concern for all Open Water Swimming
events should be the safety of those participating.
The venue will be under the control of one or more local authorities and getting the necessary
permissions may take some time, so getting these people on-side and supportive of the event

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is an essential early planning activity. Commercial users of any venue will always have primary
access so it important to gain their agreement and cooperation.
For out of water dive starts from a waterfront bulkhead, jetty or floating platform, ensure that
the water depth has been surveyed and that the depth complies with the minimums required
(1.4m). A physical check of the starting area should be made well in advance of the competition
to ensure that there are no unseen shallow water obstructions in the water.
Once agreed, a course plan needs to be prepared detailing:
• The Start and Finish area/s and distance to shore
• The distance between turning buoys and feeding points where present
• Medical evacuation points on the course
• Race Control office
• Marshaling area
This document is key, as it will form the basis for planning for many aspects of the competition,
including athlete preparation, safety and risk management planning, and the Medical Action
Plan.
Some additional points:
• Prior to the first briefing meeting ensure that all aspects of the course are such as to
conform to the initial safety clearance given at time of application.
• Ensure prior to the first briefing that no obstructions exist on the course other than those
already identified.
• Confer with, and keep fully briefed, the Safety Officer.
• At the briefing meeting ensure that large scale maps of the course, clearly showing
start, finish and all turns, are available for swimmers' representatives, Race Judges, all
Officials and the media.
• Confirm with all Turn Judges and allocate transport to their positions, ensuring sufficient
markers and flags are available.
• Check that sufficient transport is available to ensure that Turn Judges will be on station
in time to carry out their duties and that sufficient arrangements have been made to
ensure their collection after the last swimmer has passed their post.

The Course Officer probably needs to be the first person at the course on the day of the
competition. Unless it’s been possible to set-up the course the day before, there is a lot to be
done before the swimmers and officials arrive on the course and just 90 minutes before the
start will probably be insufficient time for all that has to be done. Even where things have been
set-up the day before it is essential to re-check everything to make sure nothing has changed
or disappeared overnight. Just when you least expect it something will undoubtedly not go to
plan and require additional time to correct.
Check that the start and finish areas are correctly set-up and marked properly, that equipment
is installed and in proper working order.
Ensure that course alterations are all correctly positioned and marked (Buoys, Markers, or
other moored craft that are used to define turning points or alterations in the course). GPS is
a good tool to quickly check the positioning if you have this tool available.

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In company with the Referee and the Safety Officer inspect the course and markings prior to
the start of the event.
Check the Turn Judges are in their correct positions prior to the start of the race and confirm
this to the Chief Referee. This is particularly important, as it is the Course Officer’s
responsibility to ensure they are all in place, so that they can properly perform their duties.
The Course Officer will probably be the last person off the water following the conclusion of
the competition, as everything that has been put out for the race needs to be collected back
again and the course returned to its original condition. Check with the Chief Referee before
any equipment is removed from the course – there is nothing more embarrassing than finding
that part of the course has already been removed and there are still swimmers on the course
wanting to swim around the buoys that have been lifted!

The Clerk of the Course is responsible for the check-in, numbering, and management of the
swimmers prior to the start of the race, for ensuring their clothing and equipment is looked
after, keeping a check count of the number of swimmers in the water during the race – and
also during the training times – and that they are looked after at the end of the race until their
coaches/handlers arrive to attend to them.
Depending on the number of swimmers, it will probably be necessary to appoint more than
one Clerk of Course in order to ensure all pre-race functions are addressed. Timekeepers and
Finish Judges may be able to help with the pre-race activities to prepare the swimmers for the
competition. In the pre-race area, the Clerk/s of Course must:
• Check-in the swimmers (and their coaches/handlers where required).
• Check the swimsuit to be worn is on the FINA ‘Approved’ list and not more than one is
being worn or if wetsuits are being used, comply with the FINA wetsuit guidelines.
• Check/issue caps in accordance with the criteria for the race.
• Check all swimwear (caps, suits and goggles) comply with FINA Advertising guidelines
if required.

• Check the swimmers finger and toe nails are trimmed and all jewelry has been removed
(including in the mouth, navel, or other body piercing jewelry).
• Number (preferable done by tattoos) the swimmers on both shoulders, upper arms and
the backs of hands.
• Issue transponders for races where these are being used and receive same back again
after the finish.

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 • Give regular advice of the time remaining to the start of the race.
Clerks of Course need to be onsite well in advance of the start of registration so that they are
well prepared for the swimmers’ arrival and can perform their duties quickly and efficiently
before the race.
Copies of the start list of all swimmers is required, especially where race numbers have been
pre-allocated so that these can be used as reference documents for numbering and
transponder allocation.
From the beginning of the check-in and registration process, the Clerk of the Course and
Announcer must keep the swimmers, coaches, and officials informed of the time remaining to
the start. These announcements should be made at suitable intervals to meet the timelines
leading up to the start (close of registration/numbering, final pre-race briefing, introduction, the
Start). During the last five minutes prior to the start, announcements should be made at one-
minute intervals. Coordinate with the Announcer and Chief Referee to agree the correct time
and establish with the Announcer the time intervals to be announced prior to the start, and
monitor that these are made at the correct time. Also confirm with the Chief Referee the time
and location of the pre-race briefing.
Set-up of the registration area is important to ensure a good flow of swimmers through the
check-in and numbering process, so good layout and adequate size of this area is important.
Setting up the space with a number of “stations’ each checking one of the aspects above is a
good way of quickly and efficiently checking the swimmers and keeping the flow moving as
they progress through the process.
Entry to the registration/marshalling area should be restricted solely to those personnel
required to be there, to avoid overcrowding and to allow the swimmers to prepare for the race
without disturbance.
In addition to wide nib pens or stamps for numbering, make sure there are baby wipes or
similar to remove any errors that may be made, and also white pens to number any swimmers
with darker skin. It is a good idea to bring a manicure set or nail scissors/clippers and file so
that any nails may be trimmed and smoothed if required. Sterilising solution is also a good idea
for cleaning/sanitizing these tools between use. For Wetsuit races, Pastel crayons are best for
numbering the swimmers’ wetsuits. There are also swim tattoos available for wet suit.
Numbers are applied to the upper arms, shoulder blades, and hands. The numbers should be
large enough that the Referees, Race and Finish Judges, and any support personnel can easily
read them, and it should not fade during the entire race. Legible numbers are very important
as they are the means of identifying each swimmer in the race.
Once all swimmers have registered and been numbered, they may be ‘greased’ for the race
with sunscreen, lanolin etc. before presentation prior to the race. The Chief Referee and
Recorder should be informed at this time of any swimmers who have failed to register so that
a final count of swimmers competing in the race can be distributed to all officials.

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The Recorders handle all withdrawals, so anyone wishing to withdraw should be directed to
the Recorder. The Clerk of Course and Recorder must therefore work closely together to
ensure a correct count of swimmers is maintained.
The final pre-race briefing is usually held in the registration/marshalling area.
The Clerk/s of Course are also responsible for ensuring that all/any clothing and swimmers’
equipment left in the pre-race area is kept secure and taken to the finish to be available for
swimmers after they have exited the water. A garbage bag with the swimmer’s number on the
outside is a quick and efficient way of achieving this. Make sure someone is always in the area
with the swimmers’ gear if it is not a secure space.
The Clerk/s of Course are responsible for the swimmers well-being at the finish and this is also
covered in part under the duties of the Medical Officer. Make sure there are chairs available
for them to rest on as they exit the water, where they can be checked by the medial support
staff, and some refreshments, including electrolyte drinks available, both as they exit the water
and in the recovery area. The recovery area should be treated as a closed area, with access
only to swimmers, coaches, and necessary officials. In many respects it is similar to the
changing room - It is not a place for family members, friends and media.
It is strongly recommended that a unique sequential swimmer number is recorded against
each swimmer’s name. This should be done in conjunction with the Clerk of the Course
(Marshal) when each swimmer personally registers for his/her race, if the issue of competitor
numbers has not been done prior to registration.
In the case of both pre-entry and race-day entry – the Organising Committee should arrange
to have a list of numbers starting with the next swimmer number from the pre-entries, i.e. pre-
entry has 186 swimmers entered, then the number list should start from 187 for the race-day
entries. It is strongly recommended however, that post entries are not accepted unless
appropriate systems have been put in place to handle this, and allowance made for sufficient
safety craft.
If the number of swimmers is fairly small (less than 100) and the meet is pre-entered, consider
keeping the number assignments for each sex to a block of numbers. Example 45 women and
40 men entered. Assign women numbers 1-45 – assign men numbers 50-90. This grouping
will help Referees and Finish Judges during the meet. It may also help when breaking out the
scoring after the event. It is also possible to have different color numbers for men and women.
In case of championships with several race days, the numbering should always start with
number 1.
In conjunction with the Clerk of the Course (Marshal) issue to and record a unique sequential
number for each swimmer as he/she registers. Registering is the same as reporting to the
Marshaling Area at a “Pool” Meet and having your presence noted in preparation for your race.
The importance of unique sequential numbering cannot be over stressed. Prior to the start of
the race the Chief Referee will ask for the exact number of swimmers who have registered.
With this information he/she will inform the Referees, Judges, swimmer support and Medical
personnel. If two swimmers are issued with the same number for races occurring at the same
time, during the race and at the finish the Recorders will have no way of determining whose
times have been recorded. If someone fails to complete the race and leaves the venue without
reporting to the Recorders there is no way of knowing until someone asks “Have you seen so
and so?”. This type of situation can lead to an unnecessary search and rescue situation to find

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the missing swimmer. Be assured this is not a pleasant task. Nor are the ramifications of
knowing that there may be a “lost swimmer”.
Extreme care must be exercised.
It is also strongly recommended that concurrent sets of identical numbers never be used for
men and women even if they are separately swum. The same numbers being used for both
groups will cause confusion for all Officials at some stage of the race.
• Only the Recorders issue and record the competitor numbers.
• The numbers are unique and sequential unless otherwise dictated.
• No official should leave the venue with recording material, nor should they leave without
the permission of a functional Chief, or the Chief Referee.
There have been occasions when protests have been made and the Jury of Appeal has sought
to investigate the matter only to find that the necessary officials have already left, in some
cases taking their paperwork with them.
The only time when the number of swimmers registered does not equal the number in the
water for the start is when someone withdraws after registration/check-in but prior to the start.
If this occurs then all relevant personnel must be informed. These include the Chief Referee
and Referees, Judges and the Recorder. All athletes must be accounted for!
The swimmer numbers are recorded on the Swimmers’ entry card. From the entry cards the
Master Control/Results Sheets are prepared. While the Results Sheet is primarily for recording
results (lap times and finish times and finish order). Its preparation is a secondary check that
each swimmer has been issued with a unique sequential number.
Withdrawals before the start and during the competition are received by the Recorders who
relay this information if before the start to the Clerk of the Course and if after the start to the
Referees, the Safety Officer, and Medical Support Personnel. It is important that at any time
throughout the event that the Recorders are able to supply the Chief Referee with an update
of exactly how many swimmers are still in the water at any given time – even after some of the
swimmers have completed the event.
Depending on the configuration of the course, Recorders receive intermediate lap times or turn
buoy times (course positional times at a predetermined point i.e. half way) at various times
throughout the race. At the Finish, Recorders will receive the final time for each swimmer. This
may be a printout from a stopwatch with an inbuilt printer or a time sheet with elapsed times
and swimmers’ position number recorded by a Finish Judge.
The times recorded on the Master Control/Results Sheet are received from the Chief
Timekeeper. Depending on the type of timing system used, the exact format of these sheets
may vary.
As the swimmers cross the start/finish line or round a predetermined point the Timekeepers
record each swimmer’s time by the split lap function, if requested to do so by the Chief
Timekeeper. Finish Judges or Turn Judges record the order of the swimmers by swimmers’
numbers. Where a stopwatch is used that has an inbuilt printer the first swimmer number is
recorded against the first time printed and then the last swimmer number in the group. It is
useful from time to time to record the swimmers number on the printout as a cross-check.

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The Finish Judge’s placement sheet and the Chief Timekeeper’s time sheet with the
determined times are forwarded to the Chief Recorder whose team will merge the place
finishes with the finish times and resolve any discrepancies.
After all lap times have been recorded on the Master Results Sheet, the places as determined
by the times are checked against the Finish Judges’ finish places. Where the Judges’ places
and the finish times agree the places are recorded in the Place Column remembering to
separate the Men’s and Women’s events and Age Groups where the competition dictates. If
there is a discrepancy between the Judges’ orders of finish and the times recorded by the
Timekeepers the matter is referred to the Chief Referee for his/her determination.
Video finish review is required and often necessary in resolving discrepancies. Swimmers that
are allowed to finish the race but are out of the time limit specified in OWS 6.17 shall be
included in the results at the end of the field with no time or place and the designation “OTL”.
In case the race had to be interrupted, but official ranking can be determined, swimmers who
have not finished the course should be included in the ranked results with the designation “NT”.
Once the Chief Referee has determined the result the Recorder will complete the Place
Column prior to the posting of Results. If team or age group scoring is indicated by the Meet
Information, the Recorders are tasked to tabulate those results and points.
For races of 10km or less, or where the race is run over a circuit course such that individual
escort boats are not appropriate, the Feeding Platform Judges will be located on the feeding
platforms to supervise the activities on the platform and the feeding process.
Access to the platform should be limited only to approved coaches/handlers allocated to that
platform (by wristband or other access device) and any other approved persons. The Feeding
Platform Judge/s to conduct the registration of the nominated feeders and check the feeding
poles comply with regulations and safety requirements, and issue access control devices for
the platform. To ensure ready access to the coaches conducting the feeding, access by any
other people to the platform should be limited to those necessary to be there for safety or
operational reasons. Approved Media cameras may be permitted in limited numbers only
where they do not interfere with the operation of the platform.
Management of the platform during the event should maintain fair play behaviour to ensure all
feeders have adequate opportunity to prepare and to feed their swimmers without interference.
Remember that infringement rules (OWS 6.3.1) note that these rules apply to the swimmers’
coach/handler and escort craft as if applying to the swimmer directly. Feeding Platform Judges
therefore need to observe the swimmer and their coach/handler to ensure no unfair advantage
is taken nor any intentional support given to the swimmer during the race (medical or safety
intervention excluded - OWS 6.7.1).
Should it be necessary to intervene to ensure the rules are followed, the matter should be
written down, along with the time, and the outcome and then inform the Chief Referee at the
earliest possible opportunity.

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 4. Organisational tasks
A) Advance preparation
- Permissions
In order to run an event effectively, sufficient planning needs to be in place with entry forms
being made available. The starting place for this is the Local Authorities, site and land-owners
(as applicable) and Local Emergency Services (including Hospitals).
All preliminary notification of the event should include:
• Proposed date of the event,
• Proposed venue,
• Safety considerations,
• Proposed start and anticipated finish,
• Outline proposal of course; and alternative venues,
• Estimated number of competitors.
- Course Planning
One of the most important factors is course planning. There are a number of factors and
guidelines that should be observed and all need careful consideration for safety and suitability.
At the same time, it should be set up to be as closes to the spectators as possible for make it
possible for them to follow the race. There should be a long swim from the start to the first turn
to allow the competitors to spread out and minimise congestion and compression at the turning
point. The feeding station should be also within the sight of the spectators and allow easy
access for the feeders as well. It could be done by extending the starting platform.

- Course Measurement and Marking

It is important that the course is determined following local advice and historical data and
measured well in advance. This is to ensure that changes to the course can be made should
weather or sea/water conditions deteriorate. Consideration should be given to planning an
alternative course that can be put into effect with the minimum of delay.
The course should be available for training 4 days before the competition.

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 - Entry Forms and Race Information
Competitors, as well as officials and other interested bodies need to know information about
the course. The information needs to be as accurate as possible at the time of printing and
imparted on the entry form and/or information pack. The basic information should include:
• When: date, start and finish time, prize giving;
• Where: location, direction and maps;
• Refreshment: arrangements in place communicated to competitors prior to their arrival
at the event;
• How much: accommodation fee;
• Health and safety information: special local conditions, water temperature, light
conditions and anticipated water conditions;
• Format: pool, river, lake or open water swims, wave starts, age categories;
• Result: show, when, where;
• Disclaimers: place a disclaimer on the entry form;
• Medical conditions: this information should be clearly stated on the entry form and
include age, allergies, and any medication.
• Conditions of Entry: any special conditions of entry such as whether a coach/handler
must be nominated on entry form, entries need to be submitted/signed by National
Federation office, etc.
Any alterations to the published information including safety issues need to be made available
either in the race information pack or displayed in a prominent position and included in the race
briefing.
- Safety plan
The safety plan should include information on the medical services and emergency procedures
provided during before and during the race, as well as the number of boats, kayaks, life guards
and other safety personnel during the training times and the competition.

B) Race organization
- Registration
The registration procedure needs to be clearly explained to competitors before the event. An
area should be made available for registration that can cope with a number of entries. There
should be a clearly defined entrance and exit point with marshals to ensure no undue delay
occurs.
It is standard for registration to:
• Check disclaimer is signed, to include medical
information and ability to swim the distance;
• Check competitor against list of entrants to
determine starters, etc.;
• Issue race numbers (preferable tattoos);
• Check competitor information is correct.
• Check Swimsuit is approved, no jewellery is being
worn and nails are trimmed

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The registration area is also a good place to have a race information board with race details
and any last-minute changes to the published programme.
- Personnel Support
Local swimming, canoe and rowing clubs are good sources of event marshals and escorts as
well as local gyms, health clubs, scouts/guides, women’s groups and service organisations
(e.g. Rotary).
It is important you look after and identify marshals, who will then be willing to assist in the
following years or for future events. This includes feeding them, donations to their clubs, etc.
Ensure marshals, are of a calibre fit to carry out the function required. Brief them on their exact
duties and responsibilities as far in advance of the event as possible and ensure each marshal
knows their exact location. This can be done with maps or by a site visit. Each marshal should
be given detailed race information, water data, details of emergency procedures, radio and
contact numbers and the name of the safety officer (including call sign) and race judge. In
longer events, refreshments should be supplied and/or relief marshals arranged.
All marshals should be issued with safety equipment and clothing including weather protection
and life jackets.
The following events will require marshalling and the type of venue will dictate the duties
required. These may include refreshments, car parking, registration, timing and results.
• Open water swims: safety crew, start/finish marshal, personnel to control spectators
and others;
• Post-race: helpers are needed to clear up, take down signs, dismantle barriers, pick
up litter, etc.

- Race Briefing
There should be a separate briefing for each of
competitors and officials, safety crews & marshals.
The timing of the briefings needs to be clearly advised
beforehand. The competitors' briefing should take
place in an area that allows the expected number of
competitors to gather and hear the information clearly.
Any information updates can be passed on at the
briefing.

- Start and Finish

The start and finish need to be clearly defined. The start procedure should be made known to
all competitors and there should be an emergency system to either stop the event or change
the course.
- Communications
Setting up the System: A system can be technically advanced or simple, but it does need to
be tried out in advance of the race. The system needs to be able to:

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 • Contact the Race Organiser in case of problems, queries or emergencies during the
race;
• Contact the on-site medical personnel;
• Contact external medical services quickly;
• Relay information to the commentary team;
• Contact the Chief Referee.
One practical option is to hire communication units, or to hire the units and allocate them to
selected personnel. Separate channels for Safety and race officials is recommended if this is
possible.
An alternative is to use mobile phones as the majority of people have them these days. This
is likely to be the least costly option if it is feasible, and a list of telephone numbers can be
issued to all communication officers in advance, including the central information point (need
to check for mobile phone or radio black spots before the event).
- Information
Information needs to be made available to all parties concerned. For large events, a good
Public Address system can be hired and a race commentator briefed. This needs to be audible
in as many areas as possible. Appeals and calls for particular personnel can be heard
immediately.
- Finance
Race Budget: A race organiser needs to prepare a race budget. Without this it is not possible
to accurately chart and calculate income, expenditure, committed funds or the balance of the
account at the end of the event. A race budget needs to be approved in advance by the
appropriate officers and the financial responsibilities understood. Extra or unexpected costs
might be incurred from spectator facilities needed, attendance by the Police, etc.
Entry Fees: The setting of an entry fee for the mass participation event is a decision made by
the race organiser.
Financial Security: It is important that the race is able to fulfil its financial obligations. Failure
to meet these commitments reflects badly on the sport, FINA and the race organisers.
- Course preparation and risk management
The organiser should make sure that the choice of water for an open water swim is suitable for
the purpose and that the competitors are not being placed in any danger due to the location or
condition of the selected water.
There are a number of factors that need to be considered and documented before an area of
open water is used for an event, dependant on whether a sea, lake or river swim is being
considered.
• Access, condition, sufficient space and proximity of start and finish points
• Likely water temperature (set event minimum and maximum temperature)
• Currents or eddies
• Water quality
• Hidden, overhanging or underwater hazards
• Other water users
• Minimum depth of not less than 1.40 m. at any point, including start and finish

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 • Conditions underfoot at start and exit
• Sites for medical evacuation along the course
The organisers should consult with regular users of the chosen water – fishermen, lifeguards,
canoeists, recreational boaters, windsurfers, etc.
Access to the area is very important as this will not only determine how each event should take
place but also, in the event of an emergency, how emergency services would gain access to
the start and finish areas and to the course.
Course design should allow for minimal congestion at the race start.
The start and finish areas should be clearly defined. The start should be wide enough so the
proposed number of competitors can make a safe start free from interference from others. The
finish area should be marked so that there is no confusion as to exactly when the course is
completed.
The actual swim course should be marked with buoys that are clearly visible when in the water.
Turn buoys should be at least 1.5 - 2 metres high in the water and of a different colour to any
guidance buoys. All markers should be fixed so they will not move in prevailing water conditions
or tide turns or wind. A lead boat or canoe may be required for the leading swimmer.
Swimmers must start with swim caps marked with Identification in accordance with the rules or
sequentially numbered, – ideally these should brightly coloured.
- Safety Management
Safety craft and/or canoes must be provided. Personnel assigned to water safety should be
to the ratio to provide close support to the swimmers throughout the race. In addition to canoes,
motorised safety craft should be employed with full warning, first aid and warming/cooling
facilities.
Emergency exits and evacuation points should be marked for swimmers to leave the water.
Consider what is the safe number of swimmers to have in the water at any one time.
Even when the water temperature and air conditions are good it is advisable to have additional
resources at the swim exit. Hypothermia can occur in relatively warm water, particularly to
weaker swimmers, as can hyperthermia in relatively cool water with other environmental factors
coming into account when considering warming. A cut off time for the swim should be agreed
with the race official/referee prior to the event. If any swimmer fails to complete the course by
the cut off time they should be removed from the water, as decided by the Chief Referee. The
cut off time will be dependent on the length of the swim as described in OWS 6.17.
- Environmental Conditions
The Chief Referee on the recommendation of the Safety officer or Medical officer will
shorten or cancel the swim if the water temperature falls below 16 degrees Celsius or exceeds
31 degrees Celsius. Excessive water flow or wave conditions will also affect any decision as
well as a deterioration of weather and light conditions. The temperature should be taken as
specified in the FINA rules and Safety Regulations. Wet suits are compulsory for events with
a water temperature less than 18 degrees Celsius, and optional for events between 18 degrees
Celsius and less than 20 Degrees Celsius. For all open water swims alternative plans should
be made, in case environmental factors make the swim unsafe forcing it to be cancelled or
curtailed.

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 - Water Quality
Water quality is of prime importance. The local Environment Agency should be contacted
before the event for advice on the area of water to be used. Water testing should be arranged
and the results displayed for swimmers to view prior to entry to the water. Water quality results
must be available based upon two samples within 10 days prior to the event and a third sample
performed on the day of the event. The third sample will be relayed to the Medical Officer as
soon following the event as possible, indicating if any unforeseen contamination had occurred
in the day or hours immediately prior to the event.

5. Venue and Facilities

Choosing the correct venue is one of the most important decisions in the conduct of an Open
Water Swimming competition, as the safety of the racing is closely linked to the site that is
chosen.
Some things to consider:
• Where does the water flow from and to?
• Is there a tide or current?
• What is the average water temperature for the time of the proposed swim? Is a different
time of day or time of year better?
• What is the water quality and is it approved by the local authorities as being suitable
for swimming in?
• Is the course free from marine traffic or other hazards? Are there commercial users that
have to be considered?
• What is the depth of the water across the whole of the course? And the bottom? Are
there any underwater hazards?
• Is there ready access to the start/finish area and the rest of the course, both for people
and water craft, should it be necessary to evacuate someone?
• Is there marine or amphibious fauna or flora that may pose a hazard?
• Are the facilities in the start and finish areas adequate for the number of people
expected, both in terms of swimmers, team and race officials, and also spectators and
public?
Further consideration to be given to:
• Sufficient parking for competitors, spectators and officials, suitably sign posted;
• Toilet and wash/changing facilities (competitors should be advised in advance if these
are not available at the venue);
• Baggage storage and secure areas;
• Refreshments and catering facilities for competitors, officials and spectators.
For each of the items above and any hazards identified, a mitigation strategy and feasibility of
implementation need to be considered. Undertaking this exercise as part of the evaluation of
a course’s suitability will quickly identify whether the course can be easily used for the
competition.
Gaining the appropriate certification from local authorities will also quickly identify a course’s
suitability and establish relationships with the necessary authorities that can initiate the
goodwill necessary for the conduct of the event.

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It is also a good idea to evaluate an alternative course if this is possible, so that planning for
the race can quickly be moved to the alternative course should this prove necessary for any
reason.
The minimum temperature as specified in the Rules is 16°C, and a maximum temperature of
31°C measured in accordance with rule OWS 5.5.
Although the procedure for the official water temperature measurement is specified in rule
OWS 5.5, it is a good idea for the Safety Officer and the Course Officer to measure the
temperature in the days immediately prior to the race – This will indicate the likely conditions
for race day and allow considerations to be made should a change in race time need to be
considered.
Feeding platforms/craft should be located strategically on the course, such that they are
outside the direct swimming line of the race but close to it so that swimmers wanting to feed
do not have to swim too far off-line to do so. If possible in closed circuit races, at least one of
the platforms should be close to the finish area so that coaches/handlers can see the race
finish. Feeding platforms need to be sufficiently large to remain stablity for the number of
personnel on the platform during the feeding phase when the coaches/handlers are all on the
same side – consider the size or adding more platforms if necessary.
Turning buoys need to be of a contrasting colour to the surroundings and be of sufficient size
to be readily visible to swimmers from some distance. Where the course is such that the next
turning buoy cannot be seen from the previous one, guidance buoys of a different -colour to
the turning buoys should be considered. Red, orange or yellow offer good contrast to the water.
Buoys used for triathlon, sailing, and other marine recreational activities have similar
requirements and it may be possible to borrow suitable items from such organisations that
already have them.
The finish area also needs to be clearly visible from some distance so that the swimmers can
clearly see it, and the finish apparatus, of a vertical face erected within arm-reaching distance
from the water surface. Flags can be a good idea to assist visibility, but also think about the
wind loading and forces this can create on the finish apparatus.
A good method of defining the approach to the finish can be to use pool lane ropes tied end-
to end if these are available.
The finish area needs to be constructed to provide stable platforms for the Timekeepers and
Finish Judges to work from, with additional space for video finish equipment and possibly
media personnel, however the media area should not inhibit the Judges and Timekeepers from
doing their jobs.

6. Competition Area and the Course

Certification of the length of the course (preferably by GPS) and suitability of the water must
be provided to the TOWSC and the Event Safety Officer.
Course identification. The course is to be clearly marked with distance markers, where
practical, every 1km along the course and all alterations/turns to be clearly marked and
observed by a Turn Judge. A chart clearly showing the course and any/all turns is to be
provided for each swimmer and each Race Judge. For events 10 km and above, where escort

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safety craft are utilised, a distinctive marker is to be placed to indicate, at both start and finish
areas, the point at which escort safety craft may join or must leave their swimmers.
The following facilities/equipment are to be provided in addition to those given for the Start
and Finish areas:
• Suitable boats for the Chief Referee and Referees to be used and directed entirely at
the Referee's discretion.
• Transport to take all Turn Judges to their allocated positions and to retrieve them
immediately after the last swimmer has passed, or upon the Referee declaring the
event complete.
• A suitable boat to allow the TOWSC Commission and VIPs to view the competition.
• Safety boats as required, having regard to the course.
• For events with a course of more than 10 km, where escort safety craft are utilised, a
suitable escort boat for each swimmer. The boat to have sufficient capacity to carry the
minimum crew required to work the boat efficiently, plus the Race Judge and the
Swimmer’s Representative.
• A suitable lead boat that will maintain a position approximately 50 metres ahead of the
leading swimmer.
• Landing points along the course at which withdrawn swimmers can be landed and
evacuated.
• Points along the course at which patients can receive immediate treatment.
• Spare boats able to substitute should one in service become inoperable, in particular
escort boats.
• A supply boat able to provide food and refreshments to all boat occupants throughout
the race.
• The start line marking apparatus to be secure, safe and in proper working order.
• Where automatic officiating equipment is used, it must be installed and maintained as
approved by the TOWSC, including:
• Automatic timing system, using touchpad at finish, and microchip transponder
technology.
• Video recording facilities with multiple recording angles and slow motion/stop
motion replay
• Audio-Visual System for Starter.
• Public Address System.
• Provision of backup hand timing equipment.
• The finishing point to be checked as securely fixed, safe and in proper working order.
• Turn Judges' positions to be checked and secure.
• Turn or alteration points to be clearly marked.
• Necessary chairs, weatherproof clothing, life-vest, communications equipment and
recording books to be issued to all appropriate Officials.
• Suitable containers for swimmers’ equipment, their safe storage and transportation to
the finish point to be arranged.
Equipment to be distributed to all safety craft and personnel including communications
equipment, First Aid equipment, spare towelling material and blankets.

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Pre-Race Facilities - The following facilities are to be provided prior to the race day:
• Medical inspection room.
• Briefing meeting room.
• Officials briefing room.
• Course inspection by Swimmers, Team Officials and Race Officials.
Start Area - The following facilities are to be provided in the start area:
• Changing rooms for Swimmers and their Representatives.
• Changing rooms for Officials.
• Room or covered/windproof area for greasing/awaiting start.
• Receptacles for waste material.
• On site medical evaluation and treatment facilities.
• Seating.
• Suitable containers for swimmers' equipment which is not going on a boat.
• Secure stowage and transportation of items above.
• Toilet facilities and clean drinking water.
• Facilities for providing hot water for flasks.
• Waterproof marking pens/ stamps for marking swimmers with their numbers.
• A suitable area for warm-up.
• Area for final Race Officials’ briefing.
• Area for Boat Crew and Safety briefing.
• Suitable crowd control personnel and equipment to keep the water entry point clear.
• Spectator accommodation with clear view of start.
• VIP seating with clear view of start.
• Flagstaff for Host Nation’s National flag, Host Association’s flag and the FINA flag.
• Display of National flags for all Nations competing.
• Public Address System and Timing Display Equipment.
• Refreshment room for VIPs.

Finish area - The following facilities are to be provided in the vicinity of the finish point:
• A dais for honouring Swimmers.
• National flags of all Nations competing.
• The Host Nation’s National flag, the Host Association’s flag and the FINA flag.
• Sufficient crowd control personnel and equipment.
• Medical treatment area.
• Media interview area.
• Drug testing rooms.
• Seating arrangements for VlPs and officials.
• Information board giving current race data.
• Facilities for spectators giving clear view of finish.
• Landing facilities for personal equipment.
• Swimmers recovery area
• Provision of swimmers’ equipment that had been left in start area.
• Showers and changing facilities.
• Public Address System and Timing Display Equipment.

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 • Supply of drinks and refreshments for Swimmers, Coaches and Boat Crews and Race
Officials.
• Provision of refreshments for officials and VIPs on site.
• Results publication facilities.
• Transport to take swimmers back to accommodation.

7. Start and the Race

An open water swimming event may start with the swimmers standing or treading water in a
depth sufficient for them to start swimming on the start signal. Races may also start from a
fixed platform – the competitors positions are determined by random draw and they start the
race by a dive start.
All starts require the traditional Starter command “Take Your Mark” once the Chief Referee
has indicated the handover with his arm and flag outstretched.
Verify with the Chief Referee and Course Officer that the water depths meet the minimum
requirements of 1.4m since the swimmers will be directing their visual attention to entering the
water safely. The starting lines can vary greatly depending on the race. In water starts may
be identified by imaginary lines between two points or actual rope lines (with or without floats)
stretched between two buoys or boats in the water. The start line may also be defined by a line
stretched over the water. If an actual line is placed in the water, it is recommended that the
swimmers line up on the course side of the line so as to minimize the risks of entanglement
after the start.
If the total number of competitors exceeds a safe number (which will be determined by the
Chief Referee with consultation with the Safety Officer, Course Officer and Meet Director) the
race may be started in waves (cohorts). In all National Championship level competition, Men’s
and Women’s races are started separately. The men’s will always start first. The appropriate
time interval between the men’s start and women’s start will depend on course design. A 5-10
minute stagger usually works well on a 2.5km loop course.
Referees and Race Judges should use their whistle to address any pacing or slipstreaming
they observe using the hand signals adopted by FINA to advise the offending swimmers of
their need to move apart. If necessary the race number/s can be written on the
whiteboard/clipboard and shown to the swimmers to advise those offending.
Only the Referees may disqualify any swimmer in the race, so Race Judges need to inform
the Referees of any repeated or continual offending so it can be addressed by the Chief
Referee and Referees.
OWS 6.3 is clear in that the rules relating to unsporting behaviour apply equally to the actions
of a swimmers handler/coach as to the swimmer. This rule applies in particular to the actions
of the Handler/coach and the instructions given to the driver of their escort boat, and also to
their actions on the feeding platforms.
The Handler/coach may instruct the swimmer during the race as permitted in OWS 6.13,
however this rule does not allow others to enter the course and give instructions to the
swimmers during the race.
When conditions or distance indicate, a swimmer must be escorted. As a guide, any event with
a course of 10km or more should have escort craft for swimmers. This escort may be by

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paddler, water ski/canoe, rowing boat or larger powerboat/yacht depending on the safety
factors. The difficulties in obtaining reliable escorts, whether they are paddlers or experienced
boat captains, are obvious and they are essential to the safe conduct of the meet.
The danger of boats and propellers only a few feet away from swimmers is an added risk.
Diesel and petrol (particularly two-stroke) fumes can be dangerous and annoying on still days.
Anything that impedes the progress of a swimmer is a consideration when determining the
number of escort boats you need. You need to establish special rules such as 'no paddlers in
the start area, escort boats may not go next to their swimmers for the first 500m', etc. The size
and type of each escort is important. You probably do not need the Queen Mary, as this will
inhibit the ability to get close to the swimmers but you do need a craft large enough to carry
the boat crew, special safety and feeding supplies and the swimmer's
coach/handler/representative and the observer/judge.
Paddlers must be sufficiently fit to complete the course. Boats must be capable of running at
a very slow speed. Back-up paddlers and boats are mandatory. Boats are required to have the
minimal safety equipment as prescribed by local Coast Guard regulations. It is also suggested
that each escort boat have a whistle to sound and flag to wave in case of emergency. This can
also be used if the crew is unsure about the course direction.
Organisers should consider the use of both boats and paddleboards as escort craft. The boats
support the paddleboards with back-up paddlers, food, and coach for the swimmer. It may be
possible, although not always necessary, to have one boat act as a hub for several satellite
boats or swimmers.
In the case of Emergency Abandonment, under OWS 6.18.2 where at least 3 hours of the race
has been completed, the Chief Referee should use all means at his disposal to quickly and
efficiently establish the positions of all swimmers on the course, so that the swimmers can be
removed from the water as soon as their relative position in the field has been established.
Where the Chief Referee uses discretion to allow swimmers out of the time limit to complete
the course, the results do not record a time or place, but show “OTL”.
Transponders should be issued and received by the Clerk of Course – this also provides a
check on the number of swimmers remaining on the water.
Although SW11 prescribes that electronic times are recorded to 1/100th sec, for Open Water
events the accuracy of the transponder technology necessitates that times only be recorded
to 1/10th sec.
It is important that the Video system is of sufficient resolution and clarity to clearly show the
swimmers race numbers as they touch the finish plate in slow or stop motion. All aspects of
the video system should be checked prior to the event to ensure adequate recording and
playback capability is available should it be required including all necessary cables and viewing
equipment.
The finish approach needs to be clearly marked so that there can be no confusion as to the
course to the finish line.
The finish of the race should be observed by the Finish Judges, Chief Finish Judge and any
Referees assigned to watch the finish of the race. Any infractions of the rules should be
reported to the Chief Referee by the Chief Finish Judge if observed by the judges, or necessary
actions taken to issue an infraction or disqualification if observed by the Referee/s.

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 8. Sport Technology, Timing & Scoring
A timing system needs to be in place that can cope with the demands of the race. Competitors
need to be processed quickly and the results can be produced by hand. In large events, a
more sophisticated system may need to be considered. If possible, the timing system and
marshals, should have a trial run before the race to iron out any problems. Whatever timing
system is used, it should produce a list of competitors on the race day and a further list of
results to publish for all competitors. A video system that can be used to review the finish needs
to include cameras that can cover the finish from multiple angles to overcome any obstruction
from other competitors or officials, and be of sufficient resolution to allow easy recognition of
Swimmer’s race numbers.
Numbering should be done preferably with swim tattoos, as markers could be fading by the
end of the competition making it difficult for the referees to identify the swimmers.
For the final ranking family name and given name should be clearly distinguished to easily
identify the swimmers.

9. Technical / Team leaders` Meeting

At the Team Leaders Meeting the members of the National Federations receive information
about the execution of the competitions. Participation is mandatory for all NFs.
The Team Leaders Meeting will cover the following issues:
- Pre-Competition procedures
• Flow of athletes/team around the facilities
• Training procedures
- Competition procedures
• Warm-up
• Safety procedures
- Post-competition procedures
• Victory Ceremonies
• Press Conferences
The team leaders must check all the given information and the spelling of the athlete’s name
(first name, last name, date of birth, etc.). No corrections or changes will be allowed after the
Team Leaders Meeting. The TOWSC can provide a generic meeting Agenda of topics to be
covered.

10. Medical Services and Doping control

Medical Personnel: The recruitment of suitable medical personnel is vital. There are a
number of organisations such as the St. John’s Ambulance and the Red Cross. Before the
event the organiser must ensure the availability of sufficient medical personnel and the local
hospitals' emergency departments must be advised. This is compulsory for sea swims. There
should be sufficient people to cope with a worst-case scenario particularly if the event is a sea
swim or colder water swim, and anticipate more than one incident occurring. It is recommended
that a minimum ratio of 2 first aid professional to every 20 competitors be maintained.

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Location of Medical Facilities: This is particularly important. They are most likely to be
needed on open water swims at the race finish and at high risk points on the race route as well
as having basic facilities on the escort boats. Consideration should also be given to providing
a fast response boat with medical facilities. These points should be identified by a risk
assessment carried out by the race organiser, safety officer and appropriate medical personnel
prior to the commencement of the race. All first aid points should be able to communicate with
the Emergency Services on a line dedicated solely to medical and emergency communication.
Drug Testing: The relevant National Federation headquarters may notify the event organiser
that a nominated Doctor or doping agency will attend the race to conduct drug testing. If this
happens, the organiser should provide personnel to assist the doping control staff. The
organiser is to arrange an area where the Doctor/doping staff can operate in relative seclusion.

Medical issues
The diversity of open water swimming (OWS) venues demands a broad overview of the
requirements for swimmer health and safety. A close relationship between the event
organisers and the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee is as critical for medical
reasons as it is for the integrity of the course and compliance with FINA minimum competitive
criteria.
*These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Open Water Swimming Rules, OWS
1 to 7 as they appear in the FINA Handbook 2017-2021.
Briefly there are two main areas of medical concern:
a) Environmental conditions
b) Swimmer health and safety
The appointment of a Medical Officer (OWS 2) is mandatory and liaison with the Safety Officer
is critical (OWS 3.35). The duties of the Medical Officer must be carried out judiciously in
accordance with OWS 3.36 in liaison with the Safety Officer and the local Organising
Committee. All international events under FINA jurisdiction will carry requirements for doping
control. However these are secondary to the concerns for swimmer safety and health and will
not be included here. Minimum guidelines for doping control are the responsibility of the FINA
Doping Control Review Board (DCRB) and should be considered as an appendix to these
Medical Guidelines.
From the outset it must be emphasised that no set of rules will ever supersede the importance
of strict, unconditional observation of all swimmers at all times in every event. It is the combined
responsibility of all race officials and members of the athlete entourage to remain constantly
vigilant to any incident that might jeopardise swimmer safety.

a) Environmental conditions
In accordance with OWS 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 the venue and course is subject to the issue of
a certificate of water standard issued by the appropriate local health and safety authority stating
that it is fit for purpose. This must be made available to the FINA OWS Technical Officials and

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Medical Officer before the event can proceed. Local organisers are encouraged to arrange this
authority well in advance of the event to ensure that the certificate confirming a water standard
acceptable for recreational swimming, as defined by World Health Organization (WHO)
standards. Water quality results must be available based upon two samples no earlier than 10
days prior to the event and a third sample performed on the day of the event. The third sample
will be relayed to the Medical Officer as soon following the event as possible, indicating if any
unforeseen contamination had occurred in the day or hours immediately prior to the event.
Any relevant report compiled by the Medical Officer and Safety Officer must be received by
the Chief Referee prior to the start of the event (OWS 3.8).
FINA regulations demand that the venue has a minimum depth of 1.40m (OWS 5.4) and a
water temperature of no less than 16C, or greater than 31C recorded at specified times and
depths by a designated Commission (OWS 5.5). These temperatures, informed by best
available scientific research, have been implemented to protect the health and safety of all
competitors and in particular to minimise the potential for hyperthermia and/or hypothermia.
It is recommended that the Safety Officer and Medical Officer ensure the absence of other
course hazards including aquatic flora and fauna or the potential for any form of pollution from
industrial, biochemical or bacteriological sources (OWS 3.32 and OWS 3.38).
Open water swimmers should be encouraged to apply UVL protection and the organizers
should ensure additional protection from natural elements at the conclusion of the event.

b) Swimmer health and safety

If, in the opinion of the Safety Officer and Medical Officer, conditions are unsuitable for the
staging of an OWS event the Chief Referee must be informed and recommended modifications
to postpone, cancel, or move the event to a more suitable venue must be satisfied to protect
the health and safety of all competitors (OWS 3.35).
During the event, the surveillance of swimmers by accompanying craft is mandatory for safety
reasons but must comply with race regulations (OWS 6).
Swimmers in obvious distress and those deemed to be incapable of continuing for a variety of
reasons should be removed expeditiously from the water and assessed with appropriate
urgency by a doctor. Rendering assistance to swimmers in such situations should always
supersede official rules of disqualification through “…intentional contact…” with a swimmer
(OWS 6.7.1).
Adequate sustenance should be available to swimmers during the event in accordance with
OWS 6.13. Swimmers are encouraged to hydrate well, prior to, during and following the event.
A member of the medical staff should be positioned to observe all competitors at the
completion of the event and administer medical support as indicated (OWS 7.6).
The provision of an appropriately equipped first aid post and medical centre is mandatory and
must be part of the obligations of the Organising Committee (OWS 3.49).
In the event of a medical emergency there must be an adequate system of rapid transfer to
secondary or tertiary medical services. This will demand access for motorised ambulance
service and clear communication with a receiving hospital (OWS 3.37). A clear protocol of

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emergency evacuation must be outlined to the FINA Medical Officer at the time of a pre-
competition site visit.
❖ Nutrition and Fluid Balance:
Competing in open water swimming events is a major physical effort, for which all swimmers
should have adequately trained. Swimmers can expect to be in the water for 2 - 4 hours for
events up to 10km and 6 - 8 hours for an event over 25km. It is therefore important to recognise
that the body has a finite reserve of carbohydrate and fluid and that the frequent intake of
nutritional substances is essential.
It is not appropriate for swimmers to wait until they feel their energy levels decreasing before
stopping for nutrition. Rather, swimmers should aim to complete the event with “half a tank
full” of energy. This will require frequent stops over the longer events exceeding 25km even
though they may feel their energy reserves are adequate.
It is recommended that approximately 200-400mls of a balanced carbohydrate/electrolyte
solution are ingested every half hour. This will also help in reducing cramps frequently due to
electrolyte depletion. Food may also be taken but this must be in a form that requires little
chewing and facilitates easy ingestion. All food and fluids should be cool, not icy cold in a
setting of warm conditions and warm, not hot, in the setting of cold conditions. This will aid the
delivery of food from the stomach into the lower digestive tract where the major absorption
occurs.
❖ Hypothermia (Lowered Body Temperature):
Prevention of hypothermia is essential. Double bathing caps will also reduce the amount of
heat lost through the scalp. As body temperature is reduced, the blood vessels in the skin
constrict resulting in greater heat loss through the head and neck rather than through the rest
of the body. Ear-plugs decrease the flow of cold water against the ear-drum, reducing the risk
of dizziness and problems with orientation. Wool fat (anhydrous lanolin) may be applied as a
skin lubricant around the neck, groin and armpit to avoid chaffing.
(Note: Lanolin changes the sensation of cold but does not offer any significant insulation or
warming effect. However it does influence heat loss by protecting the integrity of the skin
through a reduction in chaffing.)
Nutrition breaks should be brief given that exercise increases skin blood flow,, thereby
increasing heat loss balanced by increased muscle activity. But when the swimmer stops, this
balance is disrupted. The resultant increased blood flow through the skin enhances heat loss
in the absence of heat produced by muscular activity. In young, inexperienced swimmers,
prolonged stops may precipitate hypothermia.
It is important to limit the duration of each break to less than 30 seconds to reduce these risks,
however this must be balanced by the advantages of adequate breaks for hydration and
nutrition replenishment..
Swimmers who begin to feel cold should ingest more food by taking more stops of short
duration. Food increases the body temperature because heat is produced by digestion and
because the muscles require high levels of nutritional substances for maximum efficiency
including heat production.
Escort crews should always be vigilant for the initial signs of hypothermia in their swimmers.
Early signs include erratic swimming behaviour,, altered stroke rate and veering off course. At

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“feeding stops” support staff may recognise subtle uncharacteristic behaviours in swimmers.
These include confusion, disorientation, vague slurred responses or complete disregard for
coach instructions. Any swimmer unable to raise his/her arms above the head, obey other
basic commands or answer simple questions, should be considered “at risk” and retrieved from
the water.
It is not within the scope of this document to provide the complete guide to the medical
management of hypothermia. However at some events, medical support may be some
distance away and it is therefore important for first aid staff to understand fundamental
principles. Hypothermic swimmers must be handled gently. They should be dried thoroughly
through gentle patting not brisk rubbing, and wrapped in thick insulating blankets. Towels may
be wrapped around the scalp and the sides of the neck for added heat retention. Protection
from the wind is also essential using whatever shelter is on hand. Warm (not hot) food and
fluids should be encouraged frequently in very small amounts. Contrary to common
misconception alcohol must never be given to any recovering, cold patient.. Alcohol depresses
the central nervous system and accelerates heat loss through the dilatation of surface blood
vessels.
A doctor should personally see every swimmer retrieved from the water with symptoms
suggestive of hypothermia. This is the point at which the decision is made to implement first
aid measures or prepare the swimmer for hospital transfer.
❖ Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
Close observation of athletes subjected to warm competitive or training temperatures is critical.
While the FINA maximum water temperature for competition is 31C, sun, humidity, air and
water flow all affect the ability of the athlete to dissipate heat.
As the athlete’s core body temperature rises, the athlete needs to take more frequent feeding
breaks, emphasising hydration and electrolytes to offset what is being lost through sweating.
Whether cold or overheated, a swimmer will display similar signs and symptoms. These include
altered stroke rate, cadence and coordination, as well as confusion and mood changes
described earlier. The same simple questions used to assess hypothermia work equally well
in hyperthermia. Once again, the presence of these impairments represents ample justification
to remove the swimmer from competition.
Cooling and hydration are cornerstones of early management of hyperthermia. Medical
evaluation and appropriate intervention is critical in all cases where hyperthermia is
suspected..
❖ Exhaustion:
Exhaustion occurs as the result of prolonged energy depletion through inadequate nutritional
intake and may be accentuated by the effects of temperature. Hypothermia and hyperthermia
may accelerate the onset of fatigue and subsequent exhaustion. The swimmer often presents
with the same early signs of confusion, disorientation and erratic mood. The recognition of
exhaustion and its management in OWS is similar to that of hypo and hyperthermia and
demands the same urgent retrieval of the swimmer.
❖ Pain:
The pain of repetitive activity is frequently experienced by open water swimmers, most
commonly in their shoulders and often after about 1 hour of swimming. They may become
irritated to the point of becoming abusive but continue to obey commands, answer questions

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correctly and show no signs of disorientation. Support crews with knowledge of their swimmer
will be best to assess this situation and decide upon the outcome...
❖ Sunburn:
Despite being submerged in the water, sunburn is a real risk particularly during long events.
In all events UVL protection should be used. It is important to include the area behind the ears,
the back, the back of the legs and the bottom of the feet. In very long events in sunny climates,
the reapplication of sun block in long events is recommended.
❖ Jellyfish stings:
These may be a general problem but become increasingly more significant for those known to
have allergies and extreme sensitivities. Venues with jellyfish populations are generally
identified especially where swimmers may have trained locally or have been on-course
preparatory to the event. Precautions including the use of lanoline (Wool fat) or Vaseline
(petroleum jelly) may help dependent upon the time they remain on the body. The most
common symptom of jellyfish stings is the pain. If there are multiple contacts, the pain may be
severe and symptoms of nausea and vomiting may develop.
Pain may be moderated by the coolness of the water. Persistent severe pain should be
reported to medical staff and treated topically or through specific drug administration.
Extensive prolonged jellyfish stinging may present a medical emergency caused by the
neurotoxic effect of the sting..
❖ Swallowed salt water:
Salt water is approximately three times more concentrated than the body's internal fluids.
Frequent ingestion often in rough, choppy waters, may result in vomiting. Treatment includes
reassurance in the first instance and continuing observation. Persistent vomiting will cause
significant discomfort and commonly results in voluntary withdrawal. Salt water may also
present a severe irritant to the eyes and snug-fitting goggles will minimise this. .
❖ Other Trauma:
Attacks by sharks or other dangerous aquatic fauna are unlikely. A more significant risk
however exists from escort boat propellers and extreme care must be taken when
manoeuvring near swimmers. Wherever possible motor craft should be fitted with “prop”
guards to minimise the risk of danger from this cause.

Medical action plan

The medical action plan must be outlined by the host Medical Officer and discussed with the
FINA Medical Delegate at the time of the pre-event site visit. In very general terms this plan
should consider: early RECOGNITION of swimmers in difficulty; rapid RESPONSE and
RETRIEVAL of the affected swimmer; adequate RESUSCITATION where necessary and
REVIEW and REMOVAL to a hospital facility if indicated.
Then Action Plan should include, but not be limited to the following:
• Sufficient personnel and equipment to execute the plan.
• Qualified personnel available on the water to identify and respond immediately to any
swimmers in distress.

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 • A medical receiving site with equipment and trained personnel to ensure evaluation
and medical support where necessary for any competitor.
• A detailed evacuation plan for serious medical cases to designated hospitals or medical
centres.
• Adequate communication between all Medical staff. This must be a channel or method
of communication used only for medical purposes.
• Detailed plans to manage hypothermic or hyperthermic swimmers.
• Sufficient land, water or airborne transportation to ensure the rapid transfer of any
casualties from the water or escort boat to a medical team.
In addition, at FINA–designated OWS events there will be an obligation on the host Organising
Committee to provide trained staff and adequate facilities to undertake Doping Control in strict
accord with FINA Anti-Doping Rules. This function must be the responsibility of additional
medical staff and not in any way detract from the requirements for athlete safety as outlined
above. Host organisations must understand their responsibilities in this regard and comply
accordingly as part of their contract with FINA.

11. Safety and security

Safety is the paramount issue in the organisation and conduct of any open water swimming
event. The first step in planning an open water swim is the consideration of all safety factors.
Throughout this guide you will find numerous recommendations and suggestions that minimise
risks. It’s up to the organiser how to implement these into your events.
All events including those of less than 10km require safety support and this is usually provided
in the form of kayaks or paddleboards to provide close support to the swimmers around the
course, supported by motorised safety craft to evacuate any swimmers removed from the
course and requiring medical assessment and support.
The local Red Cross society or St John’s Ambulance may be able to provide information,
personnel and equipment to assist with the conduct of a meet. Local boat, canoe, rowing, and
kayak clubs may also be able to assist. One word of caution: find out, in advance, if there will
be any charges associated with their support.
If your event is very long and/or crosses heavily-used shipping lanes, contact the local
Harbourmaster. Their main concern is for safety on the water and they can be of great help.
One valuable service they are usually able to provide is the notification of ships in the area of
the race. They will also provide you with assistance in filling out the necessary permit requests.
If you need help with communications, local amateur radio organisations are helpful and often
eager to assist.
Do not try to do it alone. There are any number of volunteer groups and organisations that are
willing to assist. Try local Sea and Boy Scouts, Emergency Services Groups, civic groups,
local swimming clubs, boat clubs etc. Their public service orientation can really help get jobs
done that might otherwise prove unnecessarily expensive.
Don’t forget to notify authorities such as local councils, police, hospitals and ambulance
services that you are staging an event. You may just require their services and with prior advice
they may offer assistance. It is highly advised that organisers have public liability insurance.

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 12. Accreditation Procedures
The OC is required to implement an accreditation system at the venue of the competition as a
security measure:
a. Accreditation system serves as a control tool for registries and entries into an event,
and facilitates integration with onsite security and access control.
b. The OC must provide the FINA Officials and Delegates, the NFs and the media
representatives, and the members of the OC with an accreditation card and ensure that
only people with appropriate access rights are allowed to in certain areas of the venue
c. Accreditation plan must be developed by the OC regarding access and circulation to
all areas including parking availability.
d. Different types of accreditations should be easily distinguished.
e. Well identified and easy access accreditation area should be placed at the venue.
f. The OC must provide vests to all accredited photographers and TV crew authorized to
access reserved competition.
g. Photos with the name of the accredited person should be included on the ID cards in
order to prevent abuse of use of accreditations.

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PART III. Marketing

1.1 General
1.1.1 FINA’s long term objective
In support of its long-term objective of the continuous growth of our sports, FINA, together with
the National Federations organising meets, will develop a long-term marketing program on
both a national and international level, covering all forms of commercial rights including
sponsorship, television and radio broadcasting, internet, suppliership, advertising, promotion
and licensing.

1.1.2 The Marketing Program

FINA hereby specifically retains the Commercial Rights to the Event as follows: Event Title and
Presenting Sponsorship Rights. FINA hereby specifically retains the Commercial Rights of the
Product/Service Categories to the Event:
• Timing & data-processing
• Swimwear
• Sportswear/clothing/equipment
• Event logistics
• Racing lanes for swimming, racing lanes for open water swimming, water polo
equipment
• Diving boards, diving boards stands and diving board parts and equipment.
• Venue planning & temporary venue structures.
FINA grants to the HMF certain commercial rights to the Event (including any income arising
from the exploitation of such rights) limited to sponsorship within the host country of the Event.
The HMF shall inform FINA about the contents of the HMF sponsor packages offered to the
market and ensure to strictly abide to Clause 8.3 of the staging agreement

1.2 Sponsorship
1.2.1 Concept
The HMF acknowledges that the concept of product exclusivity is essential to the creation and
management of a coordinated marketing program for the Series. Thus, it is expressly
understood that the rights granted to the HMF in connection with its Marketing Program are
exclusive. The NF hereby agrees to ensure that the Event Marks and any other rights granted
to them hereunder will not be used by any of the NF Sponsors in such a manner that confusion
may arise in the public mind as to the products and/or services for which individuals or
companies have been granted the right to use the Event Marks or to exercise any other rights.

1.2.2 Opportunities of sponsorship associations with the FINA OWS events

The following sponsorship associations have been designed by FINA. These associations are
differentiated by designation and granted benefits.

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Title Sponsor
• Major Commercial Affiliate, with the main commercial rights, including the right to have
its name/logo associated with the title of the Series.
• Appointed by FINA.
Series Sponsor
• Appointed by FINA.
Presenting Sponsor
• Local Major Commercial Affiliate not conflicting with Series Sponsors, with the main
commercial rights limited within the host country of the event, including the right to have
its name/logo associated with the title of the Series.
• Appointed by NF and approved by FINA → approval to be requested at least 2 months
before the event.
Official Sponsors
• Commercial Affiliates not conflicting with Series sponsors that aim for exposure and
main commercial opportunities in relation to the Series within the host country of the
event; may provide cash and products/services to the event.
• Appointed by NF and approved by FINA.
Official Suppliers
• Commercial Affiliates not conflicting with Series sponsors whose principal sponsorship
component is to provide products and/or services to the event; will receive exposure
limited within the host country of the event.
• Appointed by NF and confirmed by FINA.

1.2.3 Rights Packages

The packages described in 1.4 only reflect the basic rights that a company can be granted by
NF. It is the duty of the NF in ensuring that those commercial rights are delivered as granted
and are not conflicting with any rights granted to the Series sponsors appointed by FINA.

1.2.4 Definition of product/service category exclusivity

Each NF Sponsor must have allocated to it a defined product/service category. The product
category of such a contracted partner is the limited range of defined and specified products
and/or services which the party produces and/or provides. These contracted parties will
receive the contractual guarantee that they shall be the only company/entity within the host
country of the event to have the opportunity to associate the products/services of their defined
product category with the NF or the event. The product/service category exclusivity cannot be
breached or shared by two unrelated or separate companies within the host country of the
event.

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1.3 Advertising
1.3.1. Introduction
Advertising is the most important benefit granted to the Commercial Affiliates.
FINA is the sole party responsible for regulating and permitting any advertising at the FINA
OWS event venues.
In permitting the presence of advertising at the Event Venues, FINA not only takes into
consideration the commercial implications but also the overall look of the Venues, the impact
generated by the advertising material and the relationships between the Commercial Affiliates.
The NF hereby agrees that only Commercial Affiliates approved by FINA are permitted to have
any form of commercial identification in or at the Venue.

1.3.2 Main advertising material/support

In allowing commercial identification on the following advertising material, FINA aims to assist
the Commercial Affiliates to communicate their corporate message to the television audience,
media, VIPs and the general public:
• Perimeter advertising boards/other signs of various sizes
• Scoreboard/video board (advertising + PA announcements) – if available
• Backdrops (i.e. mixed zones, the press conference room and behind the award
ceremony podium)
• Composite signage towers
• Athletes bibs (worn during awards ceremonies)
• Official publications and other print material
• Official web site.

1.3.3 Procedures for the implementation

Advertising material at the competition pool
Production manufacturer: The production company appointed to produce all advertising boards
shall be decided by the NF.
Installation of advertising material: The NF shall ensure that no less than two (2) Working Days
prior to the Event, the Production Manufacturer shall have full and unrestricted access to the
Venue for the purpose of erecting and supervising the installation of all advertising material of
FINA Sponsors and NF Sponsors.
All advertising materials shall be installed/set-up so that it is in place at least one (1) day before
the start of the event.
Safety: The NF shall be responsible for ensuring the safety of all advertising boards throughout
each meet of the FINA Swimming World Cup by providing adequate security and supervision.
Advertising material in official publications and other print material:
In accordance with the Rights Packages of the Commercial Affiliates, the NF may place the
relevant Commercial Affiliates logos on the following material, including but not limited to:
• Tickets

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 • Programs
• Posters
• Start/Results sheets
• Bulletins
• Flyers
• Maps/Diagrams
• Accreditation cards
• Press releases
• Other official printed material
The FINA sponsors’ logos shall be placed in all print materials related to the event, in a
prominent position.

Approval of print material

All print materials shall be sent beforehand to FINA for prior approval. The layouts shall be
submitted for approval as soon as possible but not later than 1 month before the start of each
year’s Event Series.

Scoreboard / Video board (if any)

FINA Sponsors and NF Sponsors will be entitled to advertise on the scoreboard/video board
located in the competition pools using their name and/or logo, designation, or advertisement.
No other advertising shall be permitted except as previously approved in writing by FINA.
Each FINA Sponsor and NF Sponsor is responsible for providing “ready to use” material at its
own cost. Advertisements may contain text, sound and/or music. The FINA Sponsors and NF
Sponsors will receive this right free of charge.
The videos shall generally be shown in alphabetical order after the Title Sponsor and shall take
into account the hierarchy between the categories of sponsorship. In addition, Title and Series
Partner may be shown twice as much as the other sponsorship categories (Presenting
Sponsor, Official Sponsors and Official Suppliers). The NF will seek approval of FINA before
ultimately deciding the order of all advertisements shown on the scoreboard/video board.
Commercial messages on the scoreboard/video board cannot be shown when an event is in
progress, but only before and after each competition session.

Advertising boards
A minimum number of boards have to be provided for the sponsors as mentioned in paragraph
1.4.2 and as proposed in main TV configuration as well as one (1) central board for FINA
advertising.

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1.4 Right packages guidelines
1.4.1 Title Sponsor (FINA Sponsor)
Obligations of the host Federation:
1. General obligations :
• use the official title of the Series:
• ensure that no entity that is a competitor of Title Sponsor shall have any rights
of association or exposure at the Event.
2. Advertising signage/Recognition at the venue which may include the following:
• two (2) or more advertising signs around the start, finish and along the course
in the view of the main TV camera. The HMF/OC shall pay the production cost
of such signs according to the artwork to be supplied by FINA;
• provide multiple identification on any awards backdrop, TV Interview/Press
Conference, flash interview/mixed zone backdrop including one as part of the
official event title;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor with identification on any other signage produced
for the Event;
• use the flags/inflatable as provided by FINA Title Sponsor for the Event
competition pool;
NB: all mentioned sizes are to be understood as the sizes of the logo covering the
advertising sign; e.g. the logo shall cover the whole surface of the sign.
3. Print materials :
• provide FINA Title Sponsor with two (2) pages (four colors) free of charge in the
official program of the Event; with one (1) page for a company welcome
message, and one (1) page for advertisement + include one (1) FINA Title
Sponsor mark on the composite page, if any;
• include the official event logo and the FINA Title Sponsor on all printed materials
connected with the Event, including by way of example: accreditations, posters,
flyers, tickets, programs, bulletins, start/results sheets and the like.
4. Other rights :
• play the 30-second commercial on the Event venue video-screen before and
after each day’s competition sessions;
• ensure that FINA Title Sponsor can fly company flags (maximum dimension
2m2) at the Event venue free of charge;
• ensure that the Host Broadcaster of the Event provides FINA Title Sponsor with
an exclusive first right to negotiate the purchase of broadcast sponsorship and
commercial airtime before, during and after the broadcast of the Event;
• display the FINA Title Sponsor marks on the official event website. A hyperlink
will be included from the event website to the company website;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor, if requested, with space free of charge, at or close
to the Event venue for FINA Title Sponsor to organise private hospitality at its
own cost. The costs of any other infrastructure and utilities shall be borne by
FINA Title Sponsor;

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 • provide FINA Title Sponsor with up to thirty (30) best-seated tickets for each
competition session, free of charge;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor with the first opportunity to purchase additional
tickets at face value;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor, if requested, with a reasonable number of VIP and
service accreditation passes for the Event;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor, if requested, with a reasonable number of parking
passes at or close to the venue, free of charge;
• permit FINA Title Sponsor, if requested, to stage a press conference at the
Event venue, and to participate in any official press conferences of the Event;
• permit FINA Title Sponsor to distribute information/press packs to the media at
the Event;
• ensure that FINA Title Sponsor may distribute promotional items/premiums at
the Event venue, free of charge or at a subsidized price;
• permit FINA Title Sponsor, if requested, to run activities at the Event venue to
engage the spectators or Event participants;
• provide FINA Title Sponsor with a reasonable number of invitations to any social
function or official dinner organised at the Event;
• permit FINA Title Sponsor representatives to participate in any award
ceremonies.

1.4.2 Series Sponsor / Official Timekeeper (FINA Sponsors)

In the event FINA appoints a company for the Swimwear category including Merchandising &
Licensing rights), the below rights should be reserved:
1. General obligations:
• use the official title of the Series: the FINA Swimming World Cup;
• ensure that no entity that is a competitor of Company Name shall have any
rights of association or exposure at the Event.
2. Advertising signage/Recognition at the venue:
• provide Company Name with one (1) advertising signs around the start, finish
and along the course in the view of the main TV camera. The HMF/OC shall
pay the production cost of such signs according to the artwork to be supplied by
FINA;
• provide multiple identification on any awards backdrop, TV Interview/Press
Conference, flash interview/mixed zone backdrop including one as part of the
official event title;
• provide Company Name with identification on any other signage produced for
the Event;
• NB: all mentioned sizes are to be understood as the sizes of the logo covering
the advertising sign; e.g. the logo shall cover the whole surface of the sign.
3. Print materials :
• provide Company Name with one (1) advertisement page (four colors) free of
charge in the official program of the Event + include one (1) Company Name
mark on the composite page;

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 • include the Company Name logo on all printed materials connected with the
Event (under the designation of “Official Sponsor of the Event), including by way
of example: accreditations, posters, flyers, tickets, programs, bulletins,
start/results sheets and the like.
4. Other rights:
• play the 30-second commercial of Company Name on the Event venue video-
screen before and after each day’s competition sessions;
• ensure that Company Name can fly company flags at the Event venue free of
charge;
• ensure that the Host Broadcaster of the Event provides Company Name with
an exclusive first right to negotiate the purchase of broadcast sponsorship and
commercial airtime before, during and after the broadcast of the Event;
• display the Company Name marks on the official event website. A hyperlink will
be included from the event website to the Company Name website;
• provide Company Name, if requested, with space free of charge, at or close to
the Event venue for Company Name to organise private hospitality at its own
cost. The costs of any other infrastructure and utilities shall be borne by
Company Name;
• provide Company Name with up to ten (10) best-seated tickets for each
competition session, free of charge;
• provide Company Name with the first opportunity to purchase additional tickets
at face value;
• provide Company Name, if requested, with a reasonable number of VIP and
service accreditation passes for the Event;
• provide Company Name, if requested, with a reasonable number of parking
passes at or close to the venue, free of charge;
• permit Company Name, if requested, to stage a press conference at the Event
venue, and to participate in any official press conferences of the Event;
• permit Company Name to distribute information/press packs to the media at the
Event;
• ensure that Company Name may distribute promotional items/premiums at the
Event venue, free of charge or at a subsidized price;
• provide Company Name, if requested, with space at the venue, free of charge,
for the display, promotion and/or sale of company products. The costs of any
other infrastructure and utilities shall be borne by Company Name;
• permit Company Name, if requested, to run activities at the Event venue to
engage the spectators or Event participants;
• provide Company Name with a reasonable number of invitations to any social
function or official dinner organised at the Event;
• permit Company Name representatives to participate in any award ceremonies
including those related to the World Records at the Event.

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1.4.3 Presenting Sponsor (NF Sponsor)
Marks / Designations
• Presenting Sponsorship
- Company Name incorporated into event title, under the following form exclusively:
FINA Marathon Swim World Series – [City] [Year], presented by [Sponsor]
- Company name promoted together with the official title at all times within the host
country of the event–in official print material, on-screen graphics, newspapers, etc.
- Right to use of all Official Event Marks for promotion, advertising, sales purposes
within the host country of the event.
Exclusivity
• Product category exclusivity within the host country of the event
Product supply
• Right to exclusively supply Company’s product/services for use by the FINA Marathon
Swim World Series organisers within the host country of the event
Advertising Boards / Signs
• Advertising signage
- Minimum. number of boards to be secured for FINA sponsors as mentioned in
paragraph 1.4.2 and as proposed in main TV configuration + 1 central board for
FINA advertising to be secured. The remaining boards are available for NF
Presenting Sponsors, Official Sponsors and Official Suppliers.
- Other signage opportunity to be determined by NF and approved beforehand
by FINA.
• Standing composite boards: Company name/logo displayed on standing composite
boards to be positioned at the Championships Venues, hotels, social functions and
other areas to be defined within the host country of the event
• The visibility of the Presenting Sponsor shall not be greater than that of the Title
Sponsor
Television/Press/Internet
• Commercial airtime, 30 second spots (where available) at Company’s cost
• Flash interview / Mixed Zone backdrop
- Company name / logo on backdrop board in media flash interview / mixed zone
area (composite)
• Press conference
- Identification on press conference backdrop (composite)
- Opportunity to distribute corporate literature at the Venue
• Banner on home page of the official event website
- Link to Company home page
- Opportunity to purchase ad banners on the FINA website

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Print materials
• Company name on official poster
• Company name / logo to appear on all official print material (program, accreditation
card, tickets, start and results sheets, etc.).
• 1 advertising page in official program.

1.4.4 Official Sponsor / Supplier (NF Sponsor)

Marks / Designations
• Company has the right to use all official Marks of the FINA Marathon Swim World
Series, for promotional, advertising and sales purpose within the host country of the
event only.
• The right to use the official Designation, i.e. "The Official Sponsor of the FINA Marathon
Swim World Series – [City] [Year]" on promotional items, advertising, products, etc.
Exclusivity
• Product category exclusivity within the host country of the event
Product supply
• Right to supply exclusively Company’s product/services for use by the FINA Marathon
Swim World Series organisers in a manner to be determined by NF within the host
country of the event
Advertising Boards / Signs
• Minimum number of boards to be secured for FINA sponsors as mentioned in
paragraph 1.4.2 and as proposed in main TV configuration. The remaining boards are
available for NF Presenting Sponsors, Official Sponsors and Official Suppliers
- Other signage opportunity to be determined by NF and approved beforehand
by FINA.
• Standing composite boards: Company name/logo displayed on standing composite
boards to be positioned at the Venues, hotels, social functions and other areas to be
defined within the host country of the event.
• The visibility of the Official Sponsor/Supplier shall not be greater than that of the Title
Sponsor
Television/Press/Internet
• Commercial airtime, 30 second spots (where available) at Company’s cost
• Flash interview / Mixed Zone backdrop
- Company name / logo on backdrop board in media flash interview / mixed zone
area
• Press conference
- Identification on press conference backdrop as per Appendix 5 (composite)
- Opportunity to distribute corporate literature
• Banner on home page of official event website

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 • Link to Company home page
• Opportunity to purchase ad banners on the FINA website
Print materials
• Company name on official poster
• Company name / logo to appear on all official print material (program, accreditation
card, tickets, start and results sheets, etc).
• One half advertising page in official program.

1.5 Standard look of the FINA Open Water Venues

One of the main goals of the new format of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series is to have
a standard format and look of the venues to make the event instantly recognizable as part of
the Series.
As part of this standardization, FINA will provide the following standard templates to be used
by all Host Federations/OC which will be available on the FINA platform: http://www.fina-
brand.com

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PART IV. Video and Broadcast Coverage

1. For event with or without a Live TV production obligations

a) Video-Screen Coverage – FINA strongly recommends that the event organisers use
cameras to provide a live video feed to one or more video-screens positioned at key points
at the venue, to allow for spectators to follow the races better. This video feed will
complement the audio commentary of the races relayed via the public address system at
the venue. In addition to the race coverage, the cameras can also be used for interviews
with event participants.
b) Local Broadcast Coverage – FINA strongly recommends that the event organisers
encourage the participation of local TV and media platforms to cover the event for their
own viewers. Event orgnisers should facilitate their participation by providing relevant
accreditation and access at the event venue.
c) Provision of Broadcast Quality Footage to FINA – In order to enable FINA to compile event
video reports for social media and other broadcast use, event organisers must provide
FINA with broadcast quality footage in high definition, in a digital format, to be delivered
to FINA as soon as possible after the event, either as digital files on a HDD, or by means
of file transfer. A minimum of 30 minutes of unedited footage should be provided, however
more is always better. The following are of particular importance:
❖ Pre-event athlete/coach interviews
❖ Swimmer pre-race presentations
❖ Race start
❖ Race action - e.g. turns, intermediate points, feeding station, yellow/red cards,
sprint to finish
❖ Race finish and post-race athlete celebrations
❖ Venue/course scenic & crowd shots
❖ Awards ceremony
❖ Post-race athlete/coach interviews

2. For event with a Live TV production obligations

Production of Live Broadcast Coverage – FINA requires that the event organiser appoints a
proficient broadcasting/production company to provide continuous live coverage of the races,
with the signal starting at least 10 minutes prior to the presentation of the swimmers, and
ending at least 10 minutes after the end of the medal ceremony. The event organiser shall
provide the coverage to FINA by means of an RMTH H.264 format live stream, via an internet
connection streaming at a minimum of 5MBPS, or in accordance with FINA’s other technical
specifications.
FINA can provide its standard opening and closing title sequences, as well as a replay swipe
for the transition between live action and replays, for use by the appointed broadcaster in its
production.

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PART V. Communication & Promotional Activities

1. Event promotion - pre-event, during and after

To ensure an optimal promotion and exposure of the event, local and national media should
be alerted for the competition at least three months before the event.
The main milestones to be taken into account should include:
3 months prior to event:
- Organisation of a Press Conference to announce the date, location and competition
programme of the event. Local organisers should run this Press Conference and inform
the media accordingly;
1 month prior to event:
- Press Release highlighting the competition and, if possible, mentioning some stars
attending the event. A quote from a local athlete, or from the OC organisers would be
desirable;
1 week prior to event:
- Press Release with the confirmed athletes taking place in the event;
- Electronic distribution of a Press kit with some facts around the competition: history, past
winners, complete venue map, rules of the competition, stars’ biographies;
2 days prior to event:
- Organisation of a Press Conference to “open” the event. Should be invited: the FINA
representative on site, the local and OC authorities, two stars (one local and one
international);
During the event:
- Press Release with the daily highlights;
- Quotes of the best athletes;
- Results;
- Action + award ceremonies photos.
If possible, and taking in to account the number of media representatives during the race,
media boat(s) can be provided for journalists and photographers to follow the event closer
to the athletes.
After the event:
- Complete Press Kit, with all the material produced for the event.
From the FINA side, international media will receive the necessary information throughout the
FINA communication channels: Press Releases, Newsletter, Social Media and Website.

2. Website
All efforts must be done to ensure an online presence of the event. A local website may be
created, displaying all the relevant information and news about the competition. Moreover, this

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online tool must also provide practical details to athletes and National Federations taking part
in the race.
Finally, a regular exchange of data, news, photos and any meaningful material with the FINA
official website is recommended.

3. Social media platforms

Regular posts on social media platforms are an excellent way to enhance the promotion and
visibility of the event.
News, facts & figures, history, curiosities on athletes, short video clips, photos, quotes or
statistical data are examples of information to be posted on social media.
The social media strategy should be coordinated between local Organisers and FINA.
Organisers are encouraged to use the FINA official hashtags for the event.

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PART VI. Sports Presentation

Sport Presentation is a fundamental element of the event. It encompasses the look, sound and
feel of the event and aims to create an exciting and energetic atmosphere for the spectators.
The Sport Presentation team is responsible for controlling all of the event production elements
that go in around the sport at the venue. They control the entrance of the athletes, the music,
the video and scoreboard content, entertainment and the medal ceremony.
A good Sport Presentation program can draw more spectators, sponsors, and commercial
interest.

1. Key Elements
Implementation of the Sport Presentation program at any event can be difficult. Adequate
resources must be allocated to ensure that a Sport Presentation plan is appropriately put in
place. Elements that contribute to an effective and appealing Sport Presentation plan include:
- Announce and presenters;
- Music;
- Entertainment;
- Sound System;
- Introducing Athletes and Officials;
- Scoreboards / Digital Boards
- Video Boards
- Graphics and Video Production;
- Communication;
- Venue Look.
Due to the characteristics of the sport it is difficult for the spectators and also for the coaches
to follow the race, therefore it important that the announcer provides a frequent update of the
status of the competition in English language.

2. Awarding Ceremony
The awarding ceremony serves to celebrate the winners and as the conclusion of the race.
Both the medal presenters and the swimmers must be aware of the venue and timing of the
ceremony. A script for the announcer is also recommended.

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Technical requirements:
- Backdrop, according to FINA marketing guidelines
- Podium
- Poles for the national flags
- Medals, gifts or flowers and prize money cheque
- FINA and national anthems
- Cordon for photographers, spectators.

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PART VII. Rules and Regulations

Rules regarding the conduct of Open Water Swimming events are covered in a number of
places, and a check should be made of the FINA Website prior to competitions to ensure the
current versions of all Rules, Bylaws and Regulations are referenced.

Rules and Regulations to be adhered to:

✓ FINA Bylaws - Detailed policies outlining the implementation of specific regulations and
policies adopted by FINA
✓ FINA Open Water Swimming Rules
✓ FINA Medical Rules
✓ FINA Marathon Swim World Series Rules and Regulations including MP Events

FINA Rulebook
• Constitutional Rules – set out the structure and governance of FINA
• General Rules – apply to all disciplines within FINA
• Technical Rules – cover the technical elements of competition related to a specific
discipline, including Open Water Swimming (OWS Rules) and Masters rules covering
OWS events for Masters competitions
• Medical Rules – covering rights and health of athletes, and general principles of
medical ethics
• FINA Code of Ethics

Rules are approved by the General and Technical Congresses of FINA in which all Federations
participate. Bylaws and Regulations are approved by the FINA Bureau.

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APPENDIX 1. Safety Regulations

1. GENERAL CONCEPTS
1.1 These regulations shall apply to all open water events of a distance of 5km or greater
organized by FINA, sanctioned by FINA, or over which FINA has technical control
("Covered Competitions"). These regulations shall augment the FINA Open Water
Swimming Rules and Regulations and shall augment and supersede as applicable, the
existing regulations established for specific events (e.g., FINA Open Water Marathon Swim
World Series).
1.2 Critical elements of these regulations include:
• Submission of a site-specific safety plan compliant with these regulations as part of the
event approval process;
• Approval of that safety plan by a FINA TOWSC Safety Representative as a condition
of event approval;
• Appointment of a FINA Safety Delegate who is independent of the Host Member
Federation and Organizing Committee ("HMF/OC") to ensure that the approved safety
plan and the requirements of these regulations are implemented on race day;
• Authority vested in anyone of the FINA Safety Delegate, the HMF/OC Safety Officer,
or the Chief Referee to postpone, cancel, or modify an event where safety conditions
warrant;
• Careful accounting for all swimmers before, during and after the race to ensure that all
swimmers starting the race are accounted for at the time they withdraw or finish the
race;
• All swimmers must be observed during the race so that there is immediate recognition
when a swimmer is struggling or loses consciousness;
• There must be immediate rescue available when a swimmer is in distress; and
• There must be immediate resuscitation available to address medical emergencies.

2. SUBMISSION OF A SAFETY PLAN TO FINA

2.1 For all Covered Competitions, the HMF/OC for the competition shall submit a site-specific
safety plan to FINA for FINA's approval. That safety plan shall comply with all requirements
of these regulations.
2.2 Each safety plan shall be reviewed by the FINA TOWSC Safety Representative, who shall
approve, modify, or reject the submitted safety plan.
2.3 No Covered Competition subject to these regulations shall be sanctioned or approved by
FINA without an approved safety plan in place.
2.4 Any change to an approved safety plan requested up until five days before the race must
be approved by the FINA TOWSC Safety Representative as provided in Article 2.2 above.
Changes to an approved safety plan necessitated by circumstances beyond the control of
the HMF/OC requested within five days of the race, or otherwise required to protect

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 participant safety, may be approved by the FINA Safety Delegate appointed by FINA for
the race.

3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAFETY PLAN AT THE COMPETITION

3.1 Concurrently with the awarding of an event, FINA shall appoint a FINA Safety Delegate for
each Covered Competition. The FINA Safety Delegate shall be independent of the
HMF/OC. The FINA Safety Delegate shall be generally responsible for all matters
pertaining to the safety of the competition participants and shall be specifically responsible
for ensuring that the approved safety plan and these regulations are followed during the
competition.
3.2 The HMF/OC shall appoint an HMF/OC Safety Officer with experience in open water safety
and an HMF/OC Safety Committee responsible for organizing and implementing all safety
aspects of the competition. The HMF/OC Safety Committee shall include certified local
lifeguards with experience in open bodies of water who shall be involved in safety during
the competition.
3.3 The FINA Safety Delegate shall inspect the competition venue and meet with the HMF/OC
Safety Delegate and Safety Committee at least three days prior to the scheduled start of
the competition to ensure that the safety plan remains adequate to address the conditions
at the competition venue and that all actions necessary to implement the approved safety
plan have been taken.
3.4 The FINA Safety Delegate shall have authority to modify, postpone, or cancel the
competition whenever the approved safety plan is not being implemented or as otherwise
required to protect the safety of participants. The HMF/OC Safety Officer and the Chief
Referee of the race may advise the FINA Safety Delegate on the modification,
postponement or cancellation of the competition.

4. SPECIFIC SAFETY PLANS AND RACE SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Each safety plan required by these regulations shall include the following minimum
requirements. The implementation of these requirements is mandatory for each Covered
Competition.
4.1 Technical Meeting
(a) Athlete representatives must attend the Technical Meeting. If a swimmer or the
swimmer's representative is unable to attend the Technical Meeting, the swimmer
must attend a special safety briefing in order to participate in the race.
(b) Safety topics that shall be included in the Technical Meeting include:
▪ explanation of the course layout and hazards
▪ tides, currents or other water conditions
▪ marine life
▪ weather conditions
▪ water temperature
▪ water quality conditions

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 ▪ description of the method by which the Safety Committee will monitor
swimmers
▪ location of safety craft
▪ description of medical support onsite and availability of hospital care
▪ signal for help-float on back and raise hand for assistance
▪ evacuation plan for clearing the race course, including description of
related visual and audible signals
(c) A short pre-race safety briefing, mandatory for all swimmers, shall be held
immediately prior to the race.
4.2 Monitoring And Rescue of Swimmers
(a) Each swimmer shall be under the direct observation of at least one HMF/OC
Safety Committee member or Referee at all times during the race. The
configuration of the course will determine where Safety Committee observers are
positioned to observe swimmers. For example, in an open race course with no
physical restraints, and depending on the size of the field, it is ideal to have an
escort craft with a designated observer assigned to assure that each swimmer is
monitored. However, in a competition conducted in a narrow rowing basin, it
would be impractical to have individual escort craft on the race course, rather,
HMF/OC Safety Committee observers may be able to follow the swimmers by
walking along the shore. In other circumstances, it may be desirable to organize
the HMF/OC Safety Committee observers by zone.
Whenever possible, given the layout of the race course, HMF/OC Safety
Committee observer craft (boats or kayaks) should guarantee that all swimmers
separated from the lead group or lead swimmer can be followed directly by a
safety boat or kayak. The safety craft must follow the swimmer or group of
swimmers at a reasonable distance so as to allow immediate intervention if a
safety action is required.
(b) There must be sufficient safety craft or escort craft located on the course to
immediately recognize when a swimmer is in distress and to initiate an immediate
rescue response after observation or notification that a swimmer's rescue is
required. In most course configurations, there should also be stationary safety
craft located every 400 meters along the course, with a CPR- and life support-
trained responder on board. To accomplish this, there must be sufficient
designated rescue landing points along the course and sufficient CPR- and life
support-trained personnel in proximity to each swimmer or group of swimmers.
4.3 Safety Communication
(a) The FINA Safety Delegate and the HMF/OC Safety Officer must have instant two-
way communication access with: each other; all members of the HMF/OC Safety
Committee assigned to observe swimmers; all safety craft; personnel on each
feeding platform; the HMF/OC Chief Medical Officer; the Chief Referee; and other
course officials. The line of command shall be as follows: the FINA Safety
Delegate deals directly with the HMF/OC Safety officer and the HMF/OC Safety
Officer deals directly and shall have the absolute power to mobilize all lifeguards
and medical personnel when required.

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 (b) Safety Committee members assigned to monitor swimmers must also be able to
instantly communicate with all safety craft.
(c) Two-way radios or other communication equipment with one channel or number
reserved for emergencies are required, and a backup system shall also be
available.
4.4. Accounting for Swimmers
(a) Each swimmer shall have his or her race number marked clearly on his or her
body. The Clerk of the Course is responsible for the accountability of all
competitors from the start of the race until the last competitor has safely
completed the race. As swimmers withdraw from or finish the race, the Clerk of
the Course shall check off each swimmer from the list of swimmers who started
the race.
(b) No swimmer shall exit the race through withdrawal, disqualification, completion,
or otherwise-without checking in with the Clerk of the Course.
(d) All swimmers should wear when available whatever electronic tracking technology
may be required as part of the approved safety plan.
4.5 Feeding Stations
(a) For Covered Competitions greater than five kilometres, a floating or stationary
feeding station should be available at least every 2.5 kilometres.
4.6 Local Suitability Certificate, Including Water Quality
(a) The course shall be in water that is subject to only minor currents or tides and
shall be free of hazardous obstacles, pollutants, and dangerous marine life.
(b) A certificate of suitability for the use of the venue shall be issued by the
appropriate local health and safety authorities. In general, the certification must
relate to water purity and to physical safety from other considerations. The
certificate provided in connection with plan approval shall be updated within
seventy-two hours of the day of the race.
4.7 Water Temperature
(a) The water temperature shall be measured 2 hours before the start of the race
and must be a minimum of 16°C and a maximum of 31°C. The water temperature
shall be certified by the FINA Safety Delegate and the HMF/OC Safety Officer as
measured in the middle of the course, at a depth of 40 centimetres.
(b) The water temperature shall be monitored as provided above at one-hour
intervals during the race. If the water temperature drops below 16°C or exceeds
31°C at anyone of the measuring intervals, the water temperature shall be
measured again in 30 minutes and if that measurement is also below 16°C or
exceeds 31°C, the race must be stopped.
4.8 Medical Service
(a) The HMF/OC shall appoint as its Chief Medical Officer a physician with
experience in providing medical care during endurance events. Other members
of the HMF/OC medical team shall include sufficient individuals with emergency

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 medical training (basic life support and CPR) to staff the stationary safety boats
and venue medical facility.
(b) The onsite medical facility shall include basic emergency and trauma equipment,
AED, and any heating or cooling facilities required by the approved safety plan.
(c) An ambulance shall be available onsite or on call within five minutes of the venue.
A back-up ambulance shall also be available onsite or on call within 15 minutes
of the venue.
(d) Where the travel time by ambulance between the venue and the nearest hospital
with emergency room facilities is longer than one hour, then the safety plan shall
require provision for helicopter transport.
4.9 Safety During Training. Pre-Race Warm Up And Post-Race Warm Down
(a) The HMF/OC must provide safety monitoring on the course during established
training hours. No swimmer shall be allowed to enter the race course during
training without an escort craft. Monitoring of swimmers by HMF/OC Safety
Committee observers should also occur during pre-race warm ups and post-race
warm downs.
4.10 Course Evacuation Plan
(a) Each safety plan must include a course evacuation plan to quickly get all
swimmers and race personnel off the water and to safety in emergency situations.

5. NO FINISH REQUIREMENT
5.1 No swimmer shall receive points or prize money for a race that the swimmer does not
finish. However, notwithstanding any other rule to the contrary, there shall be no
requirement for a swimmer to finish any particular race to which these regulations apply
(including those that are a part of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series) in order to
receive final point standings or prize money in the series.

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APPENDIX 2. Event Checklist

OPEN WATER
SAFETY CHECK SHEET

Venue: ………………………………………………………………………….
Date: ………./………./………. Time: ……………am /pm
Car park, boat ramp, any possible obstructions in and out:
…………………………………………………………………………………….……………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………….……………………………………………

CONDITIONS Ambient Temperature: Water Temperature:

Time:

Time:

Time:

Wind conditions: …………………………………………………………………..…..

Overall weather conditions:

(to include expected/possible changes during event)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tidal conditions: High Tide: Low Tide:

Swell conditions expected: ………………………………………………………………………….

Minimum water depth on course: ……………………………………………………

Course Bottom Material: ……….……………………………………………………
Jelly fish: Spotted - Y/N N/A

Expected – Y/N N/A

Products to treat available - Y/N N/A

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Other Marine Fauna: Spotted - Y/N N/A
Expected – Y/N N/A
Products to treat available - Y/N N/A

Lake, lock, dock etc:……..…………………………………………………………………..

Harbour Master / control authority: …………………………………..

Tel. No. : ……………………………………………
Informed of event: Y/N Other events same day: Y/N
Licence/ Approval to use venue: Y/N …………………………………………..

Water / area suitability: i.e. water conditions, depth variance, under water obstacles, tidal
currents, any outlet points, buoys, other hazardous areas and possible spectator problems.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Safety Craft (numbers to include lifeguard/rescue craft if appropriate):

# Qualified # Unqualified
Powered craft:

Canoes:
Others:

Safety Equipment:
# Life jackets: #Blankets: #Space Blankets:

Others: …………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

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Lifeguards:
Club: # Qualified # Unqualified

Radio Contact:
Radios – number: Last charged: Last checked:
Frequency channels – number: Set at:
Emergency Channel:
Is radio contact available to Lifeguards, Coast Guard, Harbour Master etc. Y/N
Radios issued to :

Role Who Y/N Channel

Chief Referee

Referees

Safety Officer

Safety Staff

Course officer

Judges

Medical Officer

Others:

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Name of Emergency hospital : ………………………………………………...
Address: …………………………………………………………………………….
location: appx. distance: appx. travel time:
Telephone number: ………………………………..
Are emergency services aware of event: Y/N - N/A

On site First Aid/Medical cover (or alternative arrangements):

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Emergency transport available: ………………………………………………..

Any possible delay points: e.g. rush hour (to include works entrance/exit points)
schools/normal traffic situation/road works:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Any alternative routes/medical venues in emergency:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

If private transport used is mobile phone available to driver: Y/N

Phone No: ……………………………….

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Mobile telephone number(s) of:
Role Names Ph Number

Referee(s):

Safety Officer:

Safety staff:

Course Officer:

Medical Officer

Driver/s:

Other(s):

Number of Competitors:
Senior Male: Senior Female: Junior Male: Junior Female:

Entered:

Reported

Exit Water

Medical Cover:
Doctor(s): …………………………………………………………………………
First Aid Organisation(s): …………………………………………………………………………

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Officials:
Chief Referee(s): …………………………………………………………………………
Referee(s): …………………………………………………………………………
Safety Officer: …………………………………………………………………………
Course Officer: …………………………………………………………………………
Judges: Race …………………………………………………………………………
Turn …………………………………………………………………………
Finish …………………………………………………………………………
Chief Timekeeper(s): …………………………………………………………………
Timekeepers: …………………………………………………………………………
Clerk(s) of Course: …………………………………………………………………………
Recorder(s): …………………………………………………………………………

Any other specific requirements or arrangements (to include

anything pertaining to the public – carry forward to separate sheet if
necessary but note on this form):

NOTE:………………………………………………………………………..…
…….…………………………………………………………………………...…
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………

Event considered to be safe to go ahead (if no provide reasons): Y/N

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Referee(s): …………………………………………………………………………
Safety Officer: …………………………………………………………………………
Course Officer: ………………………………………………………….………………

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APPENDIX 3. Competition Documents
Timekeepers and Judges Form

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Chief Timekeepers Form – determined times

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Turn Judges Form

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Chief Judges Form – determined placing

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Recorders Result Sheet

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Infraction Report / DQ Form
EVENT
Date:……../………/………
NAME:

INFRACTION REPORT
EVENT O 5K O 10K O 25K O Other: ……….......Km

O MEN O WOMEN O TEAM EVENT

Time:
O MEN Description

O WOMEN O Red Card Swimmer N°…………. Name …………………………………………… FED: …………

O Yellow Card

0 Withdrawals

FINA RULE /
Bylaw

applied

OFFICIAL'S
………………………………………………………………. SIGNATURE: ……………………………….
NAME

REFEREE'S NAME ………………………………………………………………. SIGNATURE: ……………………………….

Fedn advised:

Name:

……………………………………………………….. SIGNATURE: ……………………………….

Time:

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Protest Form

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OPEN WATER SWIMMING GUIDE - 2022 Edition 81
 FINA Office
Chemin de Bellevue 24a / 24b
1005 Lausanne – Switzerland
www.fina.org

© Copyright 2022 FINA All Rights Reserved

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