Port to Pub swim 2016 Briefing Booklet

Transcription

1 Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim 2016 Briefing Booklet Peta North

2 Don t forget to tweet & share your swim on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram - use the hashtag #porttopub

3 Welcome and introduction Congratulations on signing up to become a part of history! We are thrilled to have you be a part of the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim on 19 March It has taken more than two years to plan the first Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim, and our hope is that it becomes a major event on the local, national and international swimming calendar. We are very proud of what we are able to offer the swimming community; the opportunity to swim across the Rottnest Channel to iconic Rottnest Island in a world-class swimming event. 60 years ago, swimming across the Rottnest Channel would have seemed almost impossible. At the time most of the swimming around Perth was done in the river, at the various baths and Swim Through competitions. German immigrant Gerd von Dincklage-Schulenberg took on the challenge as part of a bet, and, on 24 January 1956, completed the crossing in 9 hours and 45 minutes. Well known press launch, Hiawatha, accompanied the swim, filled with media and members of the Western Australian Amateur Swimming Association (WAASA). After Howard Bowra and George Winning withdrew, on Sunday 25 March, 1956, the seven remaining men dived off Bill Lucas launch, Corsair, which hove to alongside the end of the North Mole, bound for Rottnest Island. Only four of the swimmers successfully reached Rottnest Island. Trevor Seaborn was the first to reach Rottnest Jetty, with a time of 7 hours 36 minutes and 26 seconds, a mile and a half ahead of the field; the only swimmer to complete the intended course. The remaining swimmers battled against a severe northerly drift and were led to Bickley Bay more than a mile to the south. Neil Earl finished in second place, Les Stewart third, with Toby Regan, who was almost 51 years old, just behind in fourth place. Harry Lapelaars, Tony Rigoll and Mel Andrew all withdrew during the race. Follow for updates porttopub Gerd s swim inspired the now defunct Weekend Mail newspaper to organise the first official race across the channel, and a chance to beat Gerd s time. Qualifying swims were held in the river a week before the race. Nine swimmers qualified - Trevor Seaborn, Tony Rigoll, Mel Andrew, Harry Lapelaars, Neil Earl, George Winning, Les Stewart, Howard Bowra and Toby Regan. 3

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5 The event was a resounding success and the Weekend Mail agreed to sponsor a second event the following year. However, WAASA said it would not be involved in another swim to Rottnest because it was considered too dangerous. As a result the transferred to the river, the same course as the previous swim. No further attempts were made to swim to Rottnest Island from the mainland again until Teams need to work together, train together and rely on each other, their skipper and support crew to be successful. Sacrifices need to be made to ensure swimmers give themselves the best possible chance of not only making it, but doing it well. Some are there to win. Some to better their time from previous crossings, and some are simply trying to complete the crossing. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim pays tribute to, and recreates, as closely as possible, that original race to Rottnest Island. Indeed, the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim is almost 60 years to the day from the original race. We are so honoured to have Trevor Seaborn and Les Stewart be part of the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub event. Trevor will signal the start of the event and Les, at age 80, will swim in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub in a team of six. Making him the oldest person to swim across the Rottnest Channel. Swimming across the channel remains a huge and brave feat to this day. What makes this endurance event appealing to so many is that it is not something one can attempt with no training, planning or hard work. It can be a dangerous, treacherous mission with the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature capable of ending the most elite of swimmer s dreams of completing the crossing. When you successfully complete your channel crossing, clamber onto the Island and up to Hotel Rottnest, where you ll have the opportunity to celebrate with everyone who has supported you, watched you work so hard, and seen the sacrifices you have made to get there. Celebrating with your team mates and friends you ve made along this journey will make every painful stroke worthwhile - we promise! We know you ll love swimming in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub and, in years to come, you ll remember the excitement of being involved in the very first Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim. 5

6 The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub committee and volunteers The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim Directors are Ceinwen Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Jane Munday, and Glen Willert. The last two years have proven to be probably the busiest times of our lives as we ve combined planning the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub with work commitments, family (including 3 new babies!), moving and renovating houses. Thankfully we ve had a lot of support and received invaluable help and advice from many people. In particular, the wider Port to Pub Committee, including experienced multi-sport event manager Chris Letts, past Rottnest Channel Swim Association president and swimmer John Guilfoyle, Carly France, Andrew Guilfoyle, and Lauren Huddy. Supporting the Committee has been Christian Owen, Andrea Williams, Lynne Duncan, Chris Byrne, Amanda Fay from AFay Communications and Nicolle Jenkins from The Hub Marketing Communications. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Committee offer combined skills in elite competitive swimming, senior event management, operations and safety, crisis and incident response, communications and public relations, journalism, IT, accountancy, law and finance. Thanks must also go to the many volunteers who will be helping on the day at the start line, in the water and at the finish line, and briefing night. Thank you so much for being just as much a part of this event as the competitors. We could not have organised this event without you, so from the Committee and on behalf of all the swimmers, thank you for your time and efforts. The committee 6

7 The event While giving swimmers another opportunity to swim across the Rottnest Channel, we also wanted to add in a couple of different categories to make The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub different from the existing Rottnest Channel Swim. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub offers 20km solo, duo and teams of four, and six category. This has proved a very popular category in its first year, with interest from across all age groups. The 20km events start at Leighton Beach (Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club) and finishes at Rottnest Island (in front of the Hotel Rottnest). remainder of the event, and, with assistance from City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club, manage the last 400 metres to the finish at Rottnest Island in front of the Hotel Rottnest. Presentations and a post-event party will be held at the Hotel Rottnest from 5:00pm. We are pleased to welcome a number of interstate and international competitors in our first year, from Great Britain, Ireland, France, the US and South Africa. We hope to see more international registrants in the years to come! Austral Fisheries 25km ultra-marathon The 25km ultra-marathon is a solo race open only to qualified swimmers. It is the longest open water swim in Australia. Our aim for the future is to attract world-class, elite swimmers to compete in the 25km event and for it to be a key part of the world open water swimming calendar. The 25km ultra-marathon will also begin at Leighton Beach. Participants will swim a 5km course off Leighton Beach before continuing onto Rottnest Island to the finish area in front of the Hotel Rottnest. Assisting on the day will be Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, providing rescue and on-water safety to ensure all measures are taken to keep participants and supporters safe on the day. Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club will manage water safety at the start of the event to 1500 metres. Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group will manage water-based rescue and safety for the We d also like to take an opportunity to thank our key stakeholders for all their help and assistance in bringing the concept of the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub to fruition. These stakeholders include: Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Premier; Minister for State Development, Member for Cottesloe Department of Transport Marine -Safety Section Fremantle Ports WA Water Police Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club Rottnest Island Authority Rottnest Island rangers Rottnest Island Nursing Post St John Ambulance bluechip Timing Royal Agricultural Society Thanks! 7

8 Sponsors and supporters We are proud to present our sponsors for the 2016 Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub. It s a big ask to sponsor a brand new event, and we are grateful to our sponsors for their help and support, for trusting the Committee and for believing that the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub will become a successful annual event in Western Australia. Port to Pub Supports Coastcare The sponsors not only make the event happen through funding, in-kind sponsorship or private donation, but they bring with them skills and expertise that contribute to the success of the event. We are so grateful to our incredible sponsors, many of which are local businesses. We encourage you to say thank you by supporting them in return. The Port to Pub team admires the great work Coastcare does to help preserve our beautiful coastal areas. We have encouraged Port to Pub entrants to use their swim to raise money for Coastcare groups working within the vicinity of the Swim. Thank you to our Supporters Trevor Seaborn Les Stewart David Bryant, Catalyst Nutrition & Dietetics Peter Sansom Andrea Williams Lynne Duncan Tony and Lynette Hewitt Peta North Shelley Taylor-Smith Maida Vale Masters Swimming Club Aquaman Wetsuits If you d like to help Coastcare clean up, restore and maintain the health of Western Australia s coastlines and marine life, find out more about fundraising for Coastcare through Port to Pub. From the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Committee, good luck to everyone involved on the day. It takes a team to make it to the Island team mates, skippers, paddlers and support crew. Stay safe, be courteous and let the Australian sportsman in you shine through to make everyone s day a great and memorable one. Pic: Coastcare clean-up 8

9 Naming rights partner: Presenting sponsors: Supplier sponsors: Support our sponsors! Affiliate sponsors: 9

10 Hotel Rottnest is thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural Port to Pub swim. We are delighted to partner with such an exciting new event and hope to see it become part of the world calendar for marathon swimming. Congratulations to all the swimmers and support crews for taking on the challenge of swimming the Rottnest Channel. The 25km ultra-marathon swimmers are particularly inspiring, swimming in what is one of the longest open water swims in the Southern Hemisphere. We look forward to showcasing Rottnest Island to local, national and international swimmers in the Port to Pub. Enjoy the post-event celebrations at Hotel Rottnest and we look forward to seeing you all again next year. Garry Prendiville Event Parking, Skipper and Swimmer Drop-off Swimmers There is extremely limited parking in the vicinity of the event, so we advise swimmers and paddlers to be dropped off at the event. The only parking available will be the public carparks to the north and south of Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club. The carparks at Bib & Tucker, Shipping Lane and Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club are not to be used as they are reserved for restaurant patrons, surf club staff and participants in a Disabled Surfing event being held on the same day. The Disabled Surfing event s traffic management will prevent any Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub participants from parking in that vicinity. Swimmers must not be dropped off by support boats at Leighton Beach, Fremantle. Swimmers should be in contact with their support craft to ensure the boats are in the holding area approximately 45 minutes before their swimmers allocated wave start time. 10

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12 Paddlers 5:30am-7:30am: A ski drop off area Paddlers, please drop off your skis at the middle car park south of Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, between Salt on the Beach and Vlamingh Parkland. Swimmer registration, sign-on and start channel All solo swimmers, duo and team starting swimmers must present themselves for registration and sign on by collecting a timing strap from the registration desk at least 45 minutes before their allocated wave start time. Registrations will close 30 minutes before your wave start. Your coloured swimming cap is included in your registration pack. It will have your race number on it. The swimmer wearing the timing strap must walk over to the start mat to start their race. The same swimmer You need to do the same at the end of the race to get a finishing time, so you MUST keep your timing strap on. Swimmer sign-off The swimmer wearing the timing strap must pass through the arch and over the finish mat to record the finish time. Other duo and team members may pass through the arch but this is not compulsory. The swimmers must proceed to the sign-off finishing tent, return their timing strap and have their race number recorded. Here every swimmer will receive their finisher towel, Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub cap and be provided with refreshments. Swimmers may have their photograph taken by the official event photographer. Timing straps must be returned before 5pm. Lost timing strap, or strap not handed in, will incur a $40 fee by bluechip Timing. At 5:00pm, race officials will reconcile all entries to identify those who have not finished/crossed over the finish mat. These entrants will be called on marine radio VHF channel 77. The start of each wave will be signalled by air horn. The event PA announcer will commence the countdown, to start five minutes before each wave. Qualified medical personnel in the first aid tent will be available to check the conditions of swimmers post event. 12

13 Categories 1. Austral Fisheries 25km ultra-marathon race 2. K&L Gates 20 km solo race 3. Rottnest Express 20 km duo race 4. Teams of four 5. Teams of six The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub has the following age group categories for competing duos and teams. Your age group is calculated on the MEAN age of all participants. Category Juvies Invincibles Mean age of participants Prime Vintage Veterans Legends 60+ ASSISTED for any of the above and the solo 20km. The 25km swim cannot be an assisted swim Wetsuit only Not classed as a ratified 20km swim Age Limits and Qualifying Swims Category Minimum Age Qualifying Swim Solo 25km 14 years 10km under 4 hours 15 mins since 1 November 2015 OR Rottnest solo in last 2 years completed in under 8.5 hours Solo 20km 14 years 10km under 4 hours 15 minutes since November 2015 OR Rottnest solo in last 2 years completed in under 8.5 hours Duo 13 years with parental consent 2.5km since 1 November 2015 OR Rottnest solo or duo swim in last 2 years Team of 4 13 years with parental consent 1.25km since 1 October 2015 Team of 6 13 years with parental consent 1.25km since 1 October

14 Prizes CASH PRIZES 1st 2nd 3rd Solo 25km (M & F) $800 $400 $200 Solo 20km $600 $300 $150 Duo (M, F & Mixed) $200 $100 Teams of 4 (M, F & Md) $200 $100 Teams of 6 (M, F & Md) $200 $100 Solo Wetsuit Prize Other prizes In addition, a beautiful framed photo of the waters off Rottnest Island, by world renowned photographer Tony Hewitt valued at $1500 will be presented at briefing night to someone who entered before 29 February There will be various additional and spot prizes for swimmers for bravery, sportsmanship and for having a good time! Licence plates will be available for the Austral Fisheries Port to Pub 25km ultra-marathon and the K&L Gates Port to Pub 20km solo participants. Licences plates will be issued to those to purchase by swimmers at their own expense. Will you be the recipient of the 001 number plates?! BizPlate example W A PTP 001 SWIM TO ROTTNEST PORTTOPUB.COM.AU Whoo hoo! 14

15 Wave Start Times and Cap Colours Wave Number Start Time Cap Colour Category Race No. 1 6:20am Yellow Solo 25km (Male 0-49 and Female) 2 6:30am Blue Solo 20km (Male and Female) 3 6:40am Green Duo (Male, Female and Mixed) 4 6:50am Pink Teams of 4 (Mixed) :00am Pink Teams of 4 (Male and Female) 6 7:10am Red Teams of 6 (Male, Female, Mixed) Race Official Vessels The Race Officials boats will be clearly signed. Any direction from a Race Official must be strictly followed at all times. Boat skippers are in charge of their boats and swimmers risk on-the-spot fines from the Department of Transport for not following instructions. Race Officials decisions are final. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Event Cancellation: The event is dependent on good weather conditions. The Race Committee, Race Director and Safety Officer have the responsibility to cancel the event if adverse weather conditions occur. All participants will be notified of a cancellation, and no swimmer or team is to disregard this decision. No refunds will be issued if the event is cancelled, however, all swimmers will be given the right to compete in the following year s event. In the event of a cancellation, swimmers will be notified of cancellation of the event through their skipper who will receive an SMS on the morning of the swim and notified by organisers via VHF Channel 77. Updates will go out via social media channels. PA announcer will also broadcast any cancellation of the event. Weather-Rating Matrix: A weather rating matrix is used to help determine whether the event is safe to start or continue with consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology, Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, Department of Transport and the Fremantle Port. Insurance: The event has limited insurance cover for the event. The Race Committee does not accept liability for personal or property damage resulting from your participation in the event. We strongly recommend that all participants are adequately insured for the potential risks associated with the event Terms and conditions: All participants must print and sign the Terms and Conditions form. Please bring your signed copy to the Event Briefing on 10 March Alternatively scan the signed copy and send it to info@porttopub.com.au. All under 18s must return a signed parental/guardian consent form.all forms can be downloaded Joining Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group: All skippers participating in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub must register specifically with Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group (FVSRG), which is operating search and rescue for the event. FVSRG will add all skipper and boat details into its database, so that on the day they are able to locate missing or troubled vessels (and therefore crew) easier and quicker. Join Presentation of Prizes: Prizes will be presented at the Rottnest Hotel at 5:00pm. Proposed 2017 Port to Pub Swim Event: Saturday 25 March

16 The event Support Boat Holding Areas 1. Prior to the start of their swimmers wave, support boat will be required to wait in a holding area, north and south of swimming exclusion channel. 2. North will be 600 metres north of the start channel (adjacent railway pedestrian bridge) 3. South will be 600 metres south of the start channel adjacent the ( Salt on the Beach restaurant) 4. Support boats may choose which holding area to wait at and should be in position, waiting to enter either north or south of the holding area, 45 minutes before their swimmers allocated wave start time. 5. The support boats must have their marine radios on and tuned to VHF channel 77. The boat coordinator will call support boats to the front of the holding area 15 minutes before swimmers wave start time. 6. Race Official boats will patrol along the holding areas to ensure support boats maintain position behind the buoys. 16

17 Full course Finish line Hotel Rottnest 19km 18km 17km 16km 15km [24km] [23km] [22km] [21km] [20km] 14km 13km 12km [19km] [18km] [17km] NOTE: This map is not to scale and is for indicative purposes only. It should not be used for marine navigation purposes. GPS location are approximate and should only be used as a guide. 11km 10km [16km] [15km] Location Marker Buoys Cut-off Time 10km [15km] Orange 12.00pm 15km [20km] Green 2.50pm 18km [23km] Orange & Phillip Rock 4.15pm 19km [24km] Green 4.45pm FINISH HOTEL ROTTNEST 5.00pm [2.5km] 7km 4km [12km] [9km] Start line 20km race course - White 25km race race course - Pink

18 Salvado St Ultra Marathon turn buoy 2 Leighton Beach Start Swim ocean side first [Paddler support only] [25km race] - Pink North vessel Holding Zone Curtin Ave Pedestrian Bridge 1000m [Support Boats may enter] Ultra Marathon Paddler holding area 500m [Paddle Craft holding zone North] Ultra Marathon turn buoy 1 & m Icon Vessel [No swimmers past 1500m Icon Vessel without support boat] 1000m [Support Boats may enter] 500m [Paddle Craft holding zone South] Start Line Paddle Craft departure point south of start only Registrations FSLSC South vessel Holding Zone Salt On The Beach Not to scale

19 The start channel Paddlers Paddlers must leave the shore only from the designated paddle craft departure point located on the south of the start channel (refer to map). Paddlers must observe and follow their swimmers allocated wave start time. Paddle craft may only enter the start channel to meet their swimmer after the 500m buoys (two large orange buoys). Paddlers can arrange to meet their swimmers at either the north or south 500m buoys (orange) Paddlers for the 25km ultra marathon have a designated meeting point to collect their swimmers the Ultra-Marathon Paddle craft holding zone. This is located on the ocean side of the 25km turn buoy 1&3 (see map). Paddlers are advised to collect their swimmers after the first turn and accompany their swimmers around the 5km loop. You should consider providing all swimmers with nutrition/fluids before meeting up with the support boat at the 1000m from shore buoy after the 5km loop (two large white buoys). Support boats moving from the holding area to start channel should avoid mixing with the previous wave support boats leaving the start channel area. Support boats may only meet up with their swimmer after the 1000 metre buoy (two white buoys). Unaccompanied swimmers must not proceed beyond the 1500 metre icon tug boat. 25km ultra-marathon skippers, need to plan with their swimmers the approximate time it will take for the swimmers to complete the 5km loop, and to reach the 1000m from shore buoy (two white buoys). Skippers should plan to arrive in a holding zone 45 minutes before their swimmer is expected to arrive at the 1000m from shore collection point (two white buoys). Support boats must not accompany 25km ultramarathon swimmers around the 5km loop; this is solely the paddlers role. Practice paddling alongside your swimmer. Get to know their style and stroke so you can easily identify them. Support Boats After moving to the front of the holding area as directed by the boat coordinator on VHF channel 77, the support boats will then be advised to move from the front of the holding area to the start channel. 19

20 Misplaced (unaccompanied) swimmer A large tugboat will be anchored at the 1500 metre mark. Unaccompanied swimmers must swim to the tugboat, tread water and must not go beyond the 1500 metre vessel. If the swimmer has not been joined by their support boat after 20 minutes, they will be returned to Leighton Beach. Once the support boat has been located, swimmers and paddlers may proceed beyond the tugboat. No duo or team member swimmer changeovers are to take place in the first 1500 metres for safety reasons. 20KM Swim Course Channel buoys for 20km course (Refer to full course map below) Buoys will be placed at the 4km, 7km, 10km, 11km, 12km, 13km, 14km, 15km, 16km and 17km, marking the most direct course line. There will also be red coloured buoys to the north of the rhumb line at the 10km, 14km, 17km marks. Swimmers must remain south of these buoys. 20

21 25km Ultra-Marathon Swim Course Channel buoys for the 25km ultra-marathon course (Refer to full course map below) Ultra-marathon swimmers will swim out to the ultra-marathon turn-buoy 1&3 (pink buoy) and make a 90 degrees clockwise turn. Swimmers will head north for 2.5km staying on the western side of the course until the large ultra-marathon 2.5km turn buoy 2 (pink buoy). Competitors will make a 180 degree clockwise turn and return to the south for 2.5km staying on the eastern side of the course until the ultra-marathon turn buoy 1&3 (pink buoy). Competitors make a 90 degree clockwise turn and proceed along the direct course to the finish line at Hotel Rottnest. Buoys will be placed at the 9km, 12km, 15km, 16km, 17km, 18km, 19km, 20km, 21km, and up until the 22km marking the most direct course line. The final 3 km of marker buoys are shown in the map of the finishing channel below. There are buoys (red) placed north of the rhumb line at 15km, 19km, 22km marks. Swimmers must remain south of these buoys at all times. 20 km course 25 km course Buoy Colour Latitude Longitude Start Start S E 2.5km turn buoy 2 Pink S E 4km 9km Orange S E 7km 12km Green S E 10km 15km Orange S E 10km North Offset 10km North Offset Red S E 11km 16km Green S E 12km 17km Orange S E 13km 18km Green S E 14km 19km Orange S E 14km North Offset 14km North Offset Red S E 15km 20km Green S E 16km 21km Orange S E 17km 22km Green S E 17km North Offset 17km North Offset Red S E 18km 23km Orange S E 19km 24km Green S E Finish Finish S E 21

22 Support vessel diverted north moorings Support boats Main jetty Finish Line Paddle Craft Designated area and tenders <3.75m Hotel jetty Final 400m gate [All paddle craft must leave their swimmers at this point] Hotel Rottnest Paddle Craft Designated area and tenders <3.75m Rottnest Island Approach Support vessel mainland return 18.75km 18.50km 18.25km 19km Support vessel diverted south moorings [All support boats must leave their swimmers] Final cut-off time 4.45pm Support vessel mainland return 18km [All swimmers must pass through this gate] Final cut-off time 4.15pm

23 Finish Channel Buoys (18km/23km Buoy, [Phillip Rock]) A large (orange) buoy will be set adjacent to Phillip Rock to form a gate and mark the northern boundary (NB: this is not the rhumb line) at approximate, Latitude S Longitude E. The cut-off time for this location is 4:15pm. (19km/24km Buoy): A large (green) buoy marked (19km/24km [No Boats]) is set to form a target for swimmers to pass. All duo and team members may enter the water and continue together at this point. All support boats must depart from their swimmer(s) once they have reached this point and peel off either to the north or south of the finish channel and allow the swimmer(s) to continue with their paddler. The cut off time for this location is 4:45pm. (Final 400m Swim Channel): A gate formed by two large (red) buoys will form a gate to mark the start of the 400 metre swim channel. All swimmers must pass through. All paddle craft must depart from swimmer(s) at this point. Swimmers must swim between the marked float lines for the last 400 metres. Swimmers should be careful through the mooring area and throughout Thomson Bay. Paddlers must return craft to boat or drag craft to a safe spot high up onto the beach to collect. Boats are to drop off support crew who wish to stay on the Island at the fuel jetty, and then moor or return to Perth. Swimmers, support crew and paddlers should organise a spot to meet once the race is complete. 23

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25 Swimmer safety and cut off times Cut off times have been set along the course. All swimmers that do not meet the cut-off times, including solos, will immediately be disqualified from the race. Swimmers can choose to return to the mainland, or continue to Rottnest Island. These times have been set in the best interest of, and for the health and safety of swimmers. If instructed by Race Officials, swimmers must leave the water and return to their support vessel. Swimmer cut-off times 20km Course Location 20km Course Marker Buoy/s Cut-off Times 10km Orange 12:00pm 15km Green 2:50pm 18km Phillip Rock and Orange 4:15pm 19km Green 4:45pm Finish Line Rottnest Island 5:00pm Swimmer cut-off times 25km Course Location 25km Course Marker Buoy/s Cut-off Times 15km Orange 12:00pm 20km Green 2:50pm 23km Phillip Rock and Orange 4:15pm 24km Green 4:45pm Finish Line Rottnest Island 5:00pm Swimmer changeover: There are three key people involved in the safe management of solo, duo, and teams of 4 and 6 the boat skipper and the two team spotters. Swimmer responsibilities: swimmers must clearly tag the next swimmer by slapping hands above the water. Skipper responsibilities: during changeover, skipper with boats with single propellers must put boat into neutral and engage them only when instructed by the spotter. Skippers with double outboards must turn the engine completely off before taking the swimmer on board. Support craft with single engines must be in neutral during the exchange of swimmers and they should not circle towards others swimmers paths during pickups. Support craft with twin engines must switch both engines off completely during swimmer exchange Boats should not go astern at all. However, skippers can use reverse thrust to stop the forward way of their boat, to avoid swimmer, paddler or vessel collision. This must be done in a controlled manner with the skipper checking it is all clear directly behind his boat before acting. Extreme caution should be used when picking up swimmers and paddlers. Solo swimmers have right of way and interference should be avoided at all cost. The spotter s responsibility is to provide assistance to the skipper to ensure safe changeover and ensure the safety of other swimmers and support craft. Swimmers are encouraged and recommended for safety reasons to swim a minimum of one minute before changeover to avoid risks associated with changeovers in congested areas. No duo or team member swimmer changeovers are to take place in the first 1500 metres for safety reasons. 25

26 General Event Rules 2016 Applies to both 20km and 25km courses FINA rules for open water swimming apply to solo (20km and 25km), and in most cases for the duo and team categories. Solos, duos, teams of 4 and teams of 6 swim categories may swim with assistance (wetsuit), but will not be recorded as ratified swims. A representative of each team, duo and all solo swimmers must present to the registration desk at least 45 minutes prior to their located start time. Each swimmer will collect their timing band to be worn on the left ankle for the entire duration of the race. Registrations close 30 minutes prior to your wave start. If you are not registered by this time you will not be permitted to start the race. All team swimmers must complete a 1.6km open water swim to enter, or have a coach sign off that they have witnessed the swimmer complete this distance, or have a member of the public sign a statutory declaration. All duo swimmers must complete a 2.5km open water swim to enter, or have completed a Rottnest Channel Swim as a solo or duo swimmer in the last 2 years. All 20km solo swimmers must complete a 10km open water swim in less than 4 hours 15 minutes to enter, or have completed at Rottnest Channel Crossing in the last 2 years to enter. All 25km solo swimmers must complete a 10km open water swim in less than 4 hours 15 minutes to enter, or have completed at Rottnest Channel Crossing in the last 2 years to enter. The minimum age of all swimmers at the date of the swim is 13 years, in accordance with WA Swimming and Australian Swimming rules. Thirteen year olds can only compete in duo and team events of the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim and must have consent from parents or legal guardian to take part in the event. All 13 year old (and above) duo swimmers must meet a qualification of being able to swim 2.5km or more, and show proof of that swim. All solo swimmers must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the event. All 14 year old (and above) swimmers must have proof of having completed a 10 kilometre open water swim previously in 4 hours 15 minutes or less to qualify for the 20km and 25km events. All swimmers under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian consent to participate in the event. All solo swimmers must have completed the qualifying standards and formally accepted by the race officials. 26

27 All swimmers must sign a form to say they ve sighted the event s terms and conditions. Swimmers and paddlers must be accompanied by a support boat. A paddler is recommended. Stand up paddle boards are not allowed. Paddlers must display race number stickers supplied in briefing pack. All swimmers will have their race number written on their swim cap upon collection at the briefing night. Numbers will not be written on arms. You must be officially registered to swim the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub. Failure to adhere to this rule, will result in a two year ban and potential dealings with the Water Police. BlueChip Timing requires swimmers to wear a timing strap. Swimmers must walk over the timing mat and enter the starting chute for the timing strap to register. Swimmers must also walk over the finish line mat to register the official swim time. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim will have two categories of swimmers: ASSISTED and UNASSISTED. If swimming in the UNASSISTED category. Swimsuits must comply with FINA s Open Water Swimming Rules. FINA states that a complying suit: 1. Is of a woven textile material 2. Does not cover the neck 3. Does not extend beyond the shoulders or ankles 4. Does not have a zip or other fastening system A list of approved swimsuits can be found on the FINA website. It is the swimmers responsibility to ensure their swimsuit complies with FINA rules. Swimmers MAY NOT 1. Wear any item with neoprene or any other buoyant material 2. Wear anything not within the FINA rules or within the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub exemptions Swimmers may 1. Wear two suits as long one suit only comprises of a brief or bikini. 2. Wool Fat/Lanolin/Vasoline 3. Wear goggles 4. Wear a nose clip 5. Wear two caps as long as the outer cap is the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub cap to show swimmers category 6. Wear ear plugs 7. Wear a rash vest 27

28 For the swimmer competing in the ASSISTED category 1. Wetsuits must be no thicker than 5mm 2. All of the components of the wetsuit must fit the swimmers body tightly 3. Artificial propulsion devices are not to be used 4. Flotation devices are not to be used 5. Gloves or socks (including but not limited to compression socks) are not to be worn 6. May wear a brief or bikini underneath the wetsuit 7. May wear Wool Fat/Lanolin/Vasoline 8. May wear goggles 9. May wear two caps as long as outer cap is the Hotel Rottnest Port To Pub category cap 10. May wear a nose clip 11. May wear ear plugs 12. May wear a rash vest If only one team member wears a wetsuit, the team is still categorised as ASSISTED. Solo swimmers that swim with a wetsuit will be recorded in the ASSISTED SOLO category. ASSISTED swimmers will not be competing against UNASSISTED for prizes and/or records. Each swimmer has indemnified Rottnest SwimFest Pty Ltd, Port to Pub Committee, Department of Transport, Fremantle Port Authority, Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue, Rottnest Island Authority, Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club and their officers and swim officials against any claim for damages or injury arising from conduct of the swim. Support vessels must be 5-10 metres in length and tenders must be greater than 3.75 metres. 10 metre vessels are advised to stay south of the channel and of the main fleet. Competitors using a support boat and tender must register both vessels to travel more than 5 nautical miles offshore. Tenders must have all safety equipment on board. See For solos swimmers, a support vessel may only support one swimmer. Support vessels must display race number stickers supplied in the briefing pack. All boats need to keep within an 8 knot speed limit and stay approximately10 metres from their swimmers. Boats withdrawing from the event must be at least 200 metres from the race channel and main fleet before increasing speed past 8 knots. Vessels with single propellers must be in neutral during the exchange of swimmers on and off the boat. Vessels with twin outboard motors must ensure their engines are switched off entirely during swimmer exchange 28

29 Swimmers and escort craft shall give way to commercial shipping. All team swimmers who have not passed the east point of the shipping channel by 9.30am will be cleared from the water and transported to a point west of the shipping channel, and will be disqualified from the event. The Fremantle Port Authority s commercial shipping channel (Gage Roads) will be open during the event. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Communications Base will advise support craft of commercial vessels expected to pass through the field. The Port is the controlling authority for vessels travelling through the field. If a commercial vessel crosses the race course, a safety officer on a boat moored at the inner limits of the channel will order the swimmers to stop and board their support boat. The swimmer may re-enter the water when the danger has passed and continue the event. Swimmers will not be disqualified. All competitors must cross the Fremantle Port s commercial swimming channel (Gage Roads) by 10:30am. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Communications Base will radio a warning ahead of time, and broadcast this alert at 10:00am. Failure to cross Gage Roads in time will require the swimmer to leave the water and board their support boat to move forward across the channel to the west side of the West Point of the channel to continue the event. Swimmers moved forward will be disqualified. Participation in these events are voluntary and the organisation s officials or volunteers can accept no liability on the day of the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim. Swimmers must complete sections of the event in specific times (refer to cut-off times). If solo, duo or team swimmers have not reached the stipulated distances within the time limit, they must leave the water and travel by their support boat to the finish or back to the mainland. Those who don t meet specified cut-off times will be disqualified from the event immediately. The start of the event will be signalled by air horn. Count-down to the start will commence 5 minutes before the allocated time by the event starter. It is the responsibility of the swimmer to ensure their support boat is on time Swimmers shall swim alone in the starting channel for the first 500 metres. They must meet their paddler at the 500m buoy and may then continue to the 1000 metre buoys where they meet their support boat. No duo or team member swimmer changeovers are to take place in the first 1500 metres for safety reasons. Support paddlers are to assemble at the buoys 500m offshore 5 minutes prior to wave start. Support boats must assemble in clearly designed holding areas to the north and south of the swim channel. Support boat skippers will be notified just prior to their swimmer wave by VHF Channel 77 and will proceed to join with swimmers at the 1000 metre mark. 29

30 If a swimmer is unaccompanied by their support boat at the 1500 metre mark (icon tug boat), they are instructed to swim to the moored icon tug boat and tread water. The icon tug boat will contact your support boat. Swimmers may re-enter the event on the arrival of their support boat. Swimmers may tread water for 20 minutes and, if no support boat arrives, the swimmer must withdraw from the event and return to the beach. If a support boat has not located its swimmer by the 1500 metre buoy, the boat skipper must advise Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group by marine radio and await further instructions During changeover, swimmers must clearly tag the next swimmer by slapping hands above the water. In case of shark sighting, duo and team swimmers have the option to leave the water and continue from where they vacated the water, once safe, without disqualification. Solo swimmers have the option to leave the water and resume once considered safe. In this instance, however, the solo swimmer will be disqualified not credited with an official Rottnest Channel swim crossing. There is no set swimming time or order for team swimmers, although Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub committee recommends at least 1-2 minutes of swimming before changeover for safety reasons and to reduce the risk of injury. At each change over, swimmers will tag at least 10 metres from the support boat in a visible manner (above water surface). Boat engines must be in neutral when picking up and taking a swimmer on board, and support boats must not back up to pick up a swimmer. The swimmer must be on the windward or weather side of the boat. An extra lookout must be positioned at the transom (back) of the boat if the boat driver is unsighted when picking up a swimmer. Swimmers must enter Thomson Bay between the 18km orange buoy and Phillip Rock. Any protest regarding competitors conduct or race rules must be lodged in writing to a race official by 4:00pm on race day, 19 March A decision will be made by the committee in accordance to the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub event rules, based on any evidence given and the judgment of the officials. FINISH Swimmers must swim the final 400 metres marked by buoys to the finish line, just north of the Hotel Rottnest jetty. Great caution is required between the 19km buoy and the Hotel Jetty. Support boats are not permitted within the last 600 metres exclusion zone and must proceed north or south immediately to their mooring, or to the fuel jetty to quickly unload their passengers. The event finishes at 5:00pm and all services will cease. All competitors who are in the water are required to leave the water, as officials will no longer provide safety support and assistance. 30

31 Team Planning The boat skipper is in control and responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the swimmer/s and at all times must follow all event rules and be aware of fellow skippers and their swimmers. a. Setting the course: your skipper sets the course, and your paddler and swimmers must follow that course. b. Efficient navigation: be prepared, plan and chart the course prior to the event. c. Team procedures: Confirm the start time of your wave; contact the starting swimmer on the morning of the swim. Also discuss identification issues such as how your paddler will find your swimmer(s), and how your support boat will keep track of your paddler and swimmer(s) and support boat find the paddler and swimmer. Calculate approximately how long it will take your swimmer to reach the icon tug boat at the 1000 metre mark, depending on his/her ability. Calculating your swimmer speed is particularly important for 25km swimmers and support crew due to waiting for the swimmer to complete the 5km loop before collecting at the 1000m from shore (green buoy). Practice paddling alongside your swimmer(s). Get to know their style and stroke so you can easily identify them. Make a decision regarding the rotation of your swimmers and how long each swimmer will swim for, depending on level of ability. Prepare a list of food and fluid you ll need for the day. d. Practise before event day: this includes hand signals with support crew and, importantly, getting in and out of the boat during swimmer rotation. e. Allocate roles for support crew: you ll need a spotter to assist the skipper in conducting changeover. A second person is needed to maintain visual contact with your swimmer, and other swimmers in close proximity to the support boat. Maintain awareness of the health and condition of your swimmer(s). Look out for signs and symptoms of swimmers illness and deterioration, including hypothermia and cramp. 31

32 The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub App Well known Western Australian swimmer and veteran of swimming the channel, Andrew Hunt, has developed an App for swimmers and spectators to follow their progress and that of others. Spectators will be able to type in their team s race number to see where they are on the field, and where they are coming in their category, as well as pace. Instructions for downloading and installing the Port to Pub app for iphone and ipad The Port to Pub app is for friends and families of swimmers taking part in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim from Leighton beach to Rottnest Island. The Port to Pub app is free to download and can be used by both a swimmers crew, to share your location during the swim, and by friends and family for tracking your location during the swim. The app also works will on an ipad with a data SIM. To install and configure the app follow these simple steps: 1. Download the Port to Pub from the iphone App Store 2. Run the Port to Pub app. You will see the dashboard page, which has some useful information for your crew including how far you are from the start and finish of the swim. If you are sharing your location (instructions below) the time you last shared your location will be shown at the bottom left of this page. 3. The Map page shows a map of the area between Leighton and Rottnest with swimmer icons, colour coded for the different categories. You can see where the other swimmers are, and if you are sharing your location, you can check that your location is reaching the map. Normally the map should automatically refresh, but if it doesn t you can press the Refresh button to fetch the latest swimmer positions. To move the map to your current location, and track your movements, you can press the arrow icon at the top left. 32

33 4. The options page is where you can configure your swimmer details, and switch ON and OFF sharing your location 5. If you are a swimmer (or swimmers crew) and want to share your location, configure the settings as follows: a. Enter your swimmer (or team) number. Do not enter anything else here or it will not work. Just your number (e.g. 0045, or 0126, or 0056 etc). Note if you don t have a swimmer number but desperately want to test the system, then please use one of the test swimmer numbers in the range 0700 to 0800 b. Choose your swimmer or team type. c. Enter your team name or your name if you are a Solo d. Choose a sharing frequency (1 minute is a good default) e. Switch Sharing ON to start sharing your location 6. The Port to Pub app should now share your location with other Port to Pub apps whenever the Sharing is switched to ON and the phone has a phone signal. You should check that you can see a swimmer icon with your number on it at your current location on the map page. You should also check on another iphone or ipad that you can see the same swimmer icon. 7. After testing that the tracking works, you can switch sharing to OFF, and then instruct your crew on how it works. On the day of your swim, your crew can switch sharing ON at the beginning of the swim, and switch it OFF at the end. They should also monitor whether it is working either by checking the map page in the app, or asking someone with another copy of the app to see if they can see your location Note that you can answer incoming calls, and the app will keep transmitting. You can also run other apps and the app will keep transmitting. Also note that you do not need to leave the screen running, you can press the button on the top of your iphone to save battery life and the app will continue to send location updates. The Port to Pub app is optimized to minimize the use of power, but it still uses more power than if you don t have the app running. In testing with a full battery charge the phone has lasted for up to 12 hours. However, if possible you should use a source of extra power, like an iphone battery extender, or if your boat has a 12V power source, a car charger to top up the power during the swim. Also remember to switch sharing OFF at the end of the swim so that the app will stop sending your location to the web page and stop using your phone s battery. 33

34 Port to Pub Swim Checklist Solo swimmers For the support boat VHF Radio on Channel 77 for the duration of the event Personal flotation devices on board and other required safety equipment Department of Transport skipper information Port to Pub skipper lanyard Flag/light/balloons for paddler and swimmer to easily identify the boat. For solos it will still be dark so lights are best Towels and warm clothes in case you end up on the boat Swimmer Food and drinks more than enough! Labeled easily for support crew. Make sure you have a Food Plan written out for them to follow Food and drinks for support crew Medication you may require Voltaren/Nurofen. Take seasickness tablets BEFORE the race starts if you require them. Notify support crew of your medical needs Stop watch one that can measure your stroke rate is great! Otherwise one support crew should be in charge of your food stop timings Spare goggles Stingose/ ice packs/antihistamines if you are prone to reactions The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Briefing manual on smart phone/tablet for the crew to refer to Boat number Skipper Lanyard Camera/video camera Your phone ( and charger) Binoculars First aid kit Change of clothes for the finish Flares 34

35 For solo swimmer on the start line Swim suit Suncream /zinc (Invisible zinc is great) Coloured zinc/lights so your paddler can identify you Goggles (and spares) Cap with your number on it Seasickness medication Wool fat/vasoline/glide available from pharmacies Organise someone to drop you and your paddler at the beach and to take your clothes Water bottle stay hydrated before, during and after the race! Phone to contact boat and make sure your skipper and support boat and paddler are on time Warm clothes (before the event) For your paddler Make sure you have discussed with your paddler which side you would prefer them to paddle on, any hand signals you will use, and any motivational tips for you (eg: do you like to be yelled at, sung to, given inspirational quotes?!) Bright clothing/lights/hat to help the swimmer and the boat identify the paddler Sunglasses with a strap Hat and sun cream (put cream on your feet, paddlers!) Wetsuit/rash vest (it can be cold at the start especially if you fall in) Sticker with number for the ski Support crew on Rottnest Island Towel, clothes, hats Camera Water/Food Phone to call boat crew so you can find them 35

36 Port to Pub Swim Checklist Duos and teams For the boat VHF Radio on Channel 77 for the duration of the event Personal flotation devices on board and other required safety equipment Department of Transport skipper information The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub skipper lanyard Big flag/balloons for paddler and swimmer to easily identify the boat Towels get really wet and heavy as you continue to dry yourself. Pack a chamois or a microfiber/ absorbent towels and a big warm jacket to wrap around you each time Food and drinks pack plenty! Make sure it s labeled easily for support crew to know it s your water, sports drink, coconut water. A Coke is always good to have for the final swim! Food and drinks for support crew fruit, muffins, sandwiches, biscuits. Grapes and watermelon are always good Medication you may require Voltaren/Nurofen. Take seasickness tablets BEFORE the race starts if you require them Stop watch one that can measure your stroke rate is great! Otherwise one support crew member should be in charge of timing your changeovers Spare goggles Stingose/ ice packs/antihistamines Suncream/Zinc The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Briefing manual on your smart phone/tablet for the crew to refer to (and you can look up who other teams are when you pass them!) Boat number Skipper lanyard Camera/video camera Your phone (give it to your crew to have on the boat if you are leaving from the beach. Make sure your support crew on the beach has a phone that you can call the boat crew with from the start) Binoculars First aid kit Good music Bag of clothes for the finish on the island 36

37 For swimmer starting off the beach Swim suit Suncream /zinc (Invisible zinc is great), plus coloured zinc for your arms so your paddler can spot you at the start Goggles and spares (goggles have been known to break before the start!) The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim cap with your number on it Cap with your number on it Seasickness medication Wool fat/vasoline/glide available from pharmacies Organise someone to drop you and your paddler at the beach and to take your clothes. Be aware, the car park will get very busy with people being dropped off, so allow plenty of time! Water bottle Phone to contact boat and make sure the boats on the way! Warm clothes for before event For your paddler Information on preparation and safety precautions Bright clothing/lights/hat to help the swimmer and the boat identify the paddler Sunglasses with a strap Hat and sun cream Wetsuit/rash vest (it can be cold at the start especially if you fall in) Number sticker for the ski Camel back water bottle Wearing a personal floatation device is recommended. Carrying a personal flotation device on board the support boat is mandatory The Department of Transport Marine Safety Section has exempted paddlers from carrying safety equipment Support crew on Rottnest Island Towel, clothes, hats Camera Water/Food Phone to call boat crew so you can find them 37

38 SWIMMERS: If you become distressed in any way, raise one hand above head to alert your paddler, skipper and emergency boats. Support boat skipper information Follow transport protocols on your way to the event. It will be dark, so have correct lighting. Allow plenty of time due to boat traffic Boats should be in the holding zone for 30 minutes All skippers must be members of Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group All skippers must hold and be in possession of recreational skipper s ticket, or similar valid licence All support craft and tenders must have a valid licence and registration Support vessels must be 5-10 metres in length and tenders must be greater than 3.75 metres. 10 metre vessels are advised to stay south of the channel and of the main fleet. Competitors using a support boat and tender must register both vessels to travel more than 5 nautical miles offshore. Tenders must have all safety equipment on board Support boat communications: All traffic, including emergencies and mayday calls: 77VHF. Mayday or Pan-Pan calls. Urgent messages such as a swimmer requiring medical assistance of any kind General traffic includes calls to locate a swimmer, breakdown and general announcements from the Race Day Emergency Team (navigation warning etc.) All boats need to keep within an 8 knot speed limit and stay approximately 10 metres from their swimmer. Boats withdrawing from the event must be at least 200 metres from the race channel and main fleet before increasing speed past 8 knots. Support craft with single engines must be in neutral during the exchange of swimmers and they should not circle towards others swimmers paths during pickups. Support craft with twin engines must switch both engines off completely during swimmer exchange. Boats should not go astern at all. However, skippers can use reverse thrust to stop the forward way of their boat, to avoid swimmer, paddler or vessel collision. This must be done in a controlled manner with the skipper checking it is all clear directly behind his boat before acting. Extreme caution should be used when picking up swimmers and paddlers. Solo swimmers have right of way and interference should be avoided at all cost. Swimmers and boat crew must monitor the engines during swimmer exchange All support boats must carry a marine VHF radio and have Department of Transport mandatory equipment for vessels traveling more than 5 nautical miles from the mainland shore. Please note 27MHz channels will not be monitored as part of this event. Skippers must supply their marine radio call sign and a support boat mobile phone number and FVSRG membership number. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub recommends all vessels have a propeller guard. 38

39 Propeller Guards WA suppliers RIB RESCUE RIB Repair House Unit 4, 12 Zeta Cres O Connor WA info@ribrescue.com.au Phone: (08) / JUST PROPELLERS WA Unit 1-4 Leeway Court Osborne Park WA sales@propellers.com.au Phone: PROPS / Web: Support craft, paddlers and swimmers will be advised of commercial vessels expected to pass through the field by FVSRG via radio communications and FVSRG vessels on the water. Support craft and tenders must carry all required safety equipment and a first aid kit (see below and also Skippers need to submit a marine incident report form to the Department of Transport Marine Safety Section within 48 hours of it occurring. It is the skipper s responsibility to submit the relevant reports to the Department of Transport. To determine how many people are legally permitted on board please refer to the Department of Transport requirements in the table below, or refer to your boat builders plate. Your boat must be licensed to carry your whole team, including: swimmer(s), paddler(s) and all support crew. Refer to the Department of Transport s rules on boat size and occupants. The size of the boat required is determined by two factors: 1. The minimum size of boat legally permitted to travel to Rottnest Island 2. The number of people on board 4.5 metres to less than 5 metres 5 people 5 metres to less than 5.5 metres 6 people 5.5 metres to less than 6 metres 7 people 39

40 Support Boat Safety Equipment All support boats must be equipped with all required mandatory marine safety and emergency equipment as per the WA Navigable Water regulations listed below Support boat skipper information 1. Recreational Skippers Ticket 2. Marine Radio VHF only (NB: MHz will not be monitored for this event) 3. Bilge Pump/Bailer Boats greater than 7 metres must have bilge pump fitted Boats less than 7 metres must have bilge pump or bailer bucket if bilge pump not fitted 4. Fire Extinguisher 5. Anchor and line 6. One life jacket (PFD type1) for each person on board including all swimmer and paddlers 7. Orange flares, a minimum of two hand held orange flares 8. Parachute flares, a minimum of two parachute distress rocket flares 9. EPIRB by law are required to carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) 10. See for more information Support boat recommended additional safety equipment 11. A first aid kit is recommended, carrying a remedy for seasickness and Stingose, or something similar 12. High protection sunscreen 13. A sharp knife 14. Rope is useful for towing and various purposes 15. A good supply of fresh water supply is essential, with the risk of sun and salt causing dehydration 16. Alternative power - spare outboard oars or paddle to assist in case of power failure 17. A torch to use in emergency situation and checking bilges 18. Heliograph mirror signalling device - a mirror to reflect sun s rays to shore and other vessels 19. Tool kit 20. Blanket, towels, sleeping bags, plastic sheets to keep swimmers warm and to manage hypothermia 40

41 Rescue Procedures During event Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group (FVSRG) will provide on-water services to the event from the 1500 metre mark to 400 metres from the finish line at Rottnest Island. Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club (FSLSC) will provide support to the 1500 metre mark, and City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club will manage the last 400 metres of the event, with support from FVSRG. FSLSC will provide extra resources, including boats, lifesavers and equipment. It will also manage the start of the race on the beach in front of the Club s premises. The overarching emergency procedure for the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim is as follows: 1. FVSRG identifies a problem or accepts radio call for assistance 2. FVSRG takes a course of action (e.g. direct resources to deal with it, or contact Water Police) 3. FVSRG advises Port to Pub swim Race Director of the incident and action 4. Race Director advises of any changes 5. Refer to incident Response Chart Support boat radio communications chart All Traffic including emergencies and mayday calls: 77VHF. Mayday or Pan Pan calls only. Urgent messages such as a swimmer requiring medical assistance of any kind. General Traffic includes calls to locate a swimmer, breakdown and general announcements from the Race Day Emergency Team (navigation warning etc.) Urgent Message/Emergencies: 16VHF. 41

42 VESSEL EMERGENCY Requiring EMERGENCY on water assistance for boat sinking, fire or other major incident SWIMMER EMERGENCY Requiring EMERGENCY on water assistance for missing swimmer, drowning, severe hypothermia, injury from boat, heart attack ASSISTANCE REQUIRED Swimmer withdrawals, misplaced swimmer, suspected hypothermia, injury, illness advice, and all other boating communication SHARK SIGHTING SHARK ATTACK RADIO CALL PORT to PUB SWIM BASE VHF CHANNEL 77 Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Our position is Our emergency is Then communicate your race number, boat registration number, and follow instructions RADIO CALL PORT to PUB SWIM BASE VHF CHANNEL 77 Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan! Our position is Our emergency is Then communicate your race number, boat registration number, and follow instructions 7 RADIO CALL PORT to PUB SWIM BASE VHF CHANNEL 77 Port to Pub Swim base, this is Port to Pub swim race number State your issue / ask question and listen for instructions. RADIO CALL PORT to PUB SWIM BASE VHF CHANNEL 77 State details of the sighting, your approximate location on the swim course (or GPS), and listen for instructions RADIO CALL PORT to PUB SWIM BASE VHF CHANNEL 77 Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! Our position is Our emergency is Then communicate your race number, boat registration number, and follow instructions 42

43 PREPARING FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS You need to: Clearly display your race number boat stickers on both sides of your support boat and paddle craft Ensure your radio is on and working, with volume turned up to ensure emergency vessels can contact you Have provisions for seasickness and procedures for treatment of swimmers and support crew Pack first aid supply for all emergency including sunburn, dehydration, mild hypothermia and stingers Ensure adequate food and fluids. MAYDAY EMERGENCY (boat sinking or on fire) A mayday emergency is one in which the support boat is in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate action to isolate, control and eliminate dangers and may require immediate rescue. The support boat skipper is instructed that when they become aware of the situation, to signal Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! via the VHF channel 77 and then communicate their position and race number. This will be relayed to emergency vessels, which will respond. Fire emergency procedures embrace three essential requirements. In most cases they will be initiated concurrently. They are as follows: 1. Ensure the safety of all support crew and swimmers 2. If its obvious that there are unnecessary risks associated with attempts to control the fire, withdraw from the boat. 3. Evacuate the area PAN-PAN EMERGENCY (Vessel at risk or person at risk) A pan-pan emergency is one in which there is an urgent message to transmit, concerning the safety of a support boat or the safety of a person (e.g. person overboard, mechanical breakdown or medical emergency) Support crew are instructed, that when they are aware of this situation to signal Pan-pan, Pan-pan, Pan-pan! ) via the VHF channel 77 and then communicate their position and race number. This will be relayed to emergency vessels, which will respond with assistance. MISSING SWIMMER AND/OR SUPPORT CREW A misplaced swimmer and or support crew is a warning of impending major aquatic emergency and must be reported to the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Swim Base. A misplaced swimmer and or support crew should only remain in the displaced phase for 10 minutes from the time the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Swim base is notified. After this time a misplaced swimmer and or support crew become a missing swimmer. Support crew are instructed, to signal Pan-pan, Pan-pan, Pan-pan! ) via the VHF channel 77 and then communicate their position and race number. This will be relayed to emergency vessels, which will respond with assistance. Gathering information on a missing swimmer or support crew helps narrow the field of search. Important information includes description and condition of swimmer, support boats and or paddlers, last time seen, last seen location and last confirmed location 43

44 RESUSCITATION Basic life support flow: Check for danger- hazard risks safety Is person responsive or unconscious? Call for assistance Open and clear AIRWAYS - CHECK FOR SIGN OF LIFE Give two breaths if not breathing normally Give 30 chest compressions (almost two per second) followed by two breaths and repeat until help arrives. Defibrillation - attach AED as soon as available, turn on and follow prompts (AED = Automatic External Defibrillation) Continue CPR until qualified personnel arrive or signs of life return (*no signs of life = unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing normally, not moving.) HYPOTHERMIA Explanation: One of the biggest risks in swimming over long distances is hypothermia. Before your the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim, it is crucial you know what it is, the signs and symptoms, and how to treat it. Hypothermia is a significant risk for solo swimmers who are in the water for a very long time, but similarly also for teams of four and six, whose members are spending a lot of time on the boat and exposed to the wind. Hypothermia occurs when the body s core temperature falls below 37 C. You don t have to be in freezing conditions to risk hypothermia as it only requires the environmental temperature to be less than your body temperature for you to donate heat to the atmosphere. Symptoms of hypothermia include 1. Shivering, cold, pale, and dry skin 2. Tiredness, confusion, and irrational behaviour inability to answer simple questions 3. Slow and shallow breathing 4. Slow and weakening pulse 5. Refusing food or drinks between swims might be a sign something is wrong First aid In case of suspected hypothermia, radio call the Hotel Rottnes Port to Pub Swim base on VHF Channel 77 and request urgent medical aid and await instructions and directions. You may be advised to return to the mainland even if you are closer to Rottnest Wrap patient in towels and blankets and protect them from wind as much as you can Change them into dry clothes Offer a warm drink and high energy food like chocolate. Encourage them to eat and drink small quantities of warm fluids frequently Handle the patient gently so as not to cause disturbances in heart rhythm. Keep the person calm, still, awake and don t let them sleep 44

45 Don t rub or massage them Do not give them alcohol as it increases the heat loss rate by dilating the skin s blood vessels If a swimmer has wool fat or lanolin on them, leave it on and dress them in an old tracksuit which can be thrown away. The fat will help to retain their body warmth until they get to a hot shower If unconscious: place the swimmer in the coma position, maintain the airway and do not give fluids or food. Swimmer tips: Dry yourself with a sports towel or chamois towel when you get out of the water before covering yourself with heavy towels and clothes Pack layers of dry clothes, including wind break jackets Drink warm water instead of cold. Pack a few thermoses of hot water Pack a bucket soak your feet in warm water to help you keep warm Wear microfiber socks/booties and a woollen beanie between swims Cover yourself in an aluminium thermal wrap (available from sports shops) as the plastic sheets Buy wool fat from the chemist. Make sure you microwave it for a couple of minutes before you leave home to soften it. Apply it before your first swim. Don t wait until you get cold to use it. Items to carry on your boat Port to Pub swim Wool fat/lanolin (from chemist) Blankets Woollen or microfiber socks and beanie Sleeping bags Thermal wraps or plastic sheets to keep swimmers warm and to manage hypothermia Hot water Bucket High energy food like chocolate SECONDARY DROWING Explanation: Inhaled fluid can act as an irritant inside the lungs. Physiological responses to even small quantities include the extrusion of liquid into the lungs over the following hours, but this reduces the ability to exchange air and can lead to a person drowning in their own body fluid. The reaction can take place up to 72 hours after a near drowning incident, and may lead to a serious condition or death. Symptoms: Tiredness, coughing, paleness and trouble with breathing Prevention: Observing the person immediately following the negative incident or accident with water is crucial. Monitor the person s breathing. Difficulty breathing, painful breathing or shallow breathing are all red flags that may indicate a person is at risk for a dry drowning episode. Count the number of respirations for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Over 20 respirations per minute could be a red flag for dry drowning. Check for persistent cough, pain in chest and mood or mental status change. Lethargy or increased agitation when lying flat, sweaty skin or color changes such as pale, or blue/grayish color are signs of poorly oxygenated blood. Treatment: Treatment involves supplying oxygen to the lungs. 45

46 SEA SICKNESS Explanation: a form of motion sickness characterized by a feeling of nausea and, in extreme cases, vertigo, experienced after spending time on a craft on water. Prevention: Generally, the disturbance will cease once the visual and motion stimuli are synchronized. This can be obtained by concentrating on the horizon until things appears fixed and horizontal. This is the signal that our vision has switched from the reference system of the boat to the reference system of the earth. Treatment: Over-the-counter medications are readily available. As these medications often have side effects, you must evaluate the risks versus the benefits. CRAMP Explanation: a sudden and involuntary muscle contraction or over-shortening. While generally temporary and non-damaging, they can cause mild-to-excruciating pain, and a paralysis-like immobility of the affected muscle(s). Onset is usually sudden, and it resolves on its own over a period of several seconds, minutes, or hours. Prevention: Stretching and adequate fluid/electrolyte balance are likely to be helpful in preventing muscle cramps. Treatment: Stretching, massage and drinking plenty of fluid, such as water, may be helpful in treating simple muscle cramps. JELLYFISH STING If a swimmer is suffering from a minor skin irritation from a jellyfish sting: Dry the victim and protect from wind Prevent victim from rubbing the area and keep calm Wash the area with sea water - do not use fresh water or vinegar Apply hot packs to affected area or place the area in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 43 degrees Celsius after first checking the temperature, leave the affected limb in water until pain subsides Alternatively hold small block of ice with a glove or cloth over the affected area. Caution using cold therapy over a large area may cause hypothermia If available, the application of Stingose is appropriate If pain persists for long periods of time or symptoms worsen radio call the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Swim Base for medical assistance. In a case of a suspected Irukandji, Box, or Bluebottle Jellyfish sting, seek urgent medical aid, by signalling Pan-pan, Pan-pan, Pan-pan! via the VHF channel 77 and then communicate your position and race number. This will be relayed to emergency vessels, which will respond with assistance. 46

47 SUNBURN Prevent by keeping out of direct sun as much as possible, wearing sun protective clothing and applying UV screening lotions. Factor 50+ sunscreens and zincs are recommended. Cool the affected area with fresh water for ten minutes Apply cool moist compress to affected area Rest in a cool place SHARK ATTACK Remove the victim from the water if safe to do so Support crew are instructed, to signal Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! via the VHF channel 77 and then communicate their position and race number. This will be relayed to emergency vessels, which will respond with immediate medical assistance Remain in the current location unless instructed, as emergency vessels can travel at great speed to attend and will transport the victim to the nearest emergency medical department While waiting for medical aid to arrive, treat the victim for traumatic injury Apply pressure to control bleeding Apply constrictive bandage if necessary Begin CPR if required DANGEROUS WEATHER If the Race committee deems the weather conditions dangerous, it may abandon the event. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim base will broadcast the following message using VHF channel 77. Text messages will also be issued and social media updates posted. Your attention please! The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Swim event participants, this is the Race Director. Race conditions have deteriorated and the forecast does not indicate any improvement. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub Swim has been abandoned. Please remove your swimmer from the water. Please put your engine in neutral and let the swimmer proceed to the boat. Do not move your boat to the swimmer. I repeat let the swimmer proceed to the boat and do not move your boat to the swimmer. Please do not proceed to shore until all swimmers around you have been collected. 47

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49 Rottnest Island Information Accommodation Accommodation needs to booked 18 months in advance. It is still worth checking the website below in case there are availabilities for this year. We recommend booking for the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim next year so you can enjoy the weekend! Next year s event will be held Saturday 25th March Getting to and From Rottnest Departing Hillarys Boat Harbour Departing Rottnest Island eople

50 Dream Team The registering of a team of Olympian and champion swimmers in the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub put the swim event into another league. Olympian swimmers, Eamon Sullivan, Jim Piper, Travis Nederpelt and Adam Lucas, will join Australian champions Mark Riley and Bobby Jovanovich to make up a Dream Team of six and compete in the 20km race category. The Dream Team is sponsored by Subiaco Sports Massage, and captained by Eamon Sullivan, who owns the popular Bib and Tucker restaurant at the event s starting line. He said he didn t want to miss out on this chance to make swimming history. Against all the advice, Gerd von Dincklage- Schulenburg took to the water in 1956 and paved the way for hundreds of people to swim the most iconic swimming routes in Australia, and this was closely followed by the first ever race to Rottnest on 24 March 1956 said Eamon Sullivan. We (the team) jumped at the chance of competing in a team of six. Not being as fit as we used to be, this makes it a more enjoyable experience. But for those who are really serious about open water swimming, a new 25km leg has been introduced, which will attract swimmers and swimming opportunities on the national and international circuit. - Eamon Sullivan, Olympic Swimmer Pic: Subiaco Sports Massage Dream Team: Adam Lucas, Bobby Jovanovich, Eamon Sullivan and Travis Nederpelt (missing: Jim Piper and Mark Riley) 50

51 Swimmer s profiles #1: The Smoothy family In the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub s inaugural year, five members of the Smoothy family will take to the water. Dad, (Martin 55), middle son Samuel (17) and youngest daughter Esther (16) will be competing in the 25 kilometre event. Eldest daughter Casey (27) and youngest son Luke (13) will be competing as a duo team. The Smoothy s love for swimming started due to health reasons. Martin wanted to increase his fitness following kidney failure and a heart condition. Martin then took Samuel to the pool in an effort to help get him fit while recovering from cancer treatment that involved steroids. Sam wasn t the best at other sports however he was attracted to swimming as he found it was a sport he enjoyed. After missing out on a Rottnest Channel Swim duo ballot in 2014, Martin and Sam decided to train for a solo crossing, which they completed earlier this year. In another extraordinary feat, Martin and Sam swam the English Channel together in July last year. Esther will be competing in a team of four this year. Luke began competing in open water events after watching his brother Sam enjoy swimming competitively. Meanwhile, Casey wanted the opportunity to compete as well and has taken the chance to do so with her youngest brother in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim. Being married with two children, Casey had to plan ahead to fit in training sessions. The Smoothy family all train in Shelley Taylor Smith s squad. We wish all the Smoothys the best of luck in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim! 51

52 #2 The Over-Armers Team members: Hamish McIntosh, Nick Unmack, Cameron McIntosh, Karri Steele, Stuart McIntosh and Jodie McIntosh The Over-Armers team instigator is Hamish, who completed a solo Rottnest Channel Swim crossings in 2014 and When he saw the option to register a team of six in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub, he saw this as a great opportunity to get his family involved in a fun yet challenging event. Hamish s brothers, Cameron and Stuart, were keen to be involved, having all competed in channel crossings before. They convinced Hamish s partner Karri, and Stuart s wife Jodie to take part, and then enlisted good mate, Nick Unmack, to complete the team of six! Nick is also a past Rottnest solo swimmer. Jodie and Karri say they are the least experienced swimmers in the team. We are totally out of our comfort zone, but are rising to this challenge! They are following the swimming program put together by the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub s swim coach Ceinwen Roberts which they re finding to be a realistic and achievable training schedule. The Over-Armers say the best part about being in a team of six is that the stronger swimmers can support the weaker swimmers, yet everyone gets a turn at some long distance swimming. Our aim for the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub event is to have fun and get to Rottnest Island as quickly as possible! We re praying for calm waters with a slight easterly wind to provide that extra nudge across! Happy training and good luck Over-Armers! 52

53 #3 Legends of Lane 4 Team members: Lindsay Dodd, Chris MacKinnon, Gus Firth and Andrew McLean The Legends of Lane 4 will take on the 20km event as a team of four in the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim in They say they re looking forward to compete as a team, after a long period of training together in Paul Newsome s Swim Smooth squad. Given the different combinations for the Rottnest Channel Swim, the team are excited at the opportunity to swim to Rottnest together in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub after so much training together. The experience has also given them an excuse to prolong their regular Friday morning coffee after training where healthy banter is enjoyed over long macs and brekky wraps. Lindsay and Gus completed solo Rottnest Channel Swim crossings in Lindsay will be attempting the solo again in 2016, while Gus is joining forces with a friend to take on the duo. Chris and Andrew will also be crossing as a duo. As for their swimming credentials, Andrew was a swimmer at school but then did little in the water over the next 15 years. On returning to Perth in 2014 after a stint overseas, he rediscovered his love of the sport and has been training regularly again for the last 18 months. After a hiatus of similar length, Lindsay got back into pool swimming in Claremont Pool was the scene of my greatest swimming triumph, the 1992 Swanbourne Primary School 100 metres!, he boasts. Claremont Pool hasn t changed much since then, and neither has my love of the swim. I enjoy the fitness and camaraderie that come with squad swimming, but mostly I m in it for the Friday coffee and bacon brekky wrap! Gus was an accomplished swimmer at school and, after a long time out of the pool, is once again a keen swimmer all year round. The Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub will be his 7th crossing of the Rottnest Channel. Since hurting his back playing football, Chris has discovered a passion for swimming, especially with mates. Good luck Legends of Lane 4! 53

54 #5 Aqua Commandos Team members: Gemma Banfield, Kath Warden, Janelle Rock, Bianca Edwards, Jacqui MacGeorge, and Tam Gibbons The six members of the Aqua Commando team say they re very excited to be taking part in the Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub s inaugural year. They first came together participating in a weekly personal training group through Positive Lifestyle Training, run by Ceinwen Roberts and her husband Andy. When they started three years ago it was a group of 8 this has now grown to 20! All dedicated mothers and with 18 kids between them (yes 18!!), they have come a long way since the early days of pushing themselves to get into the ocean for a rare open water training session. Gemma is the team leader; the reason the group came together in the first place. Always positive and a jet in the water, she has completed both a duo and a team of four in the Rottnest Channel Crossing. Her 12-year-old son is now blitzing her in the pool, which she says keeps her on her toes. Bianca declares that she is possibly more suited to the land, having trained and completed marathons over the years. With her persistence, dedication, and a little help from those long arms she has, Bianca continued to improve no end, taking out the Aqua Butts award this year. the Aqua Butts award this year. Jacqui has become more of a Yoga Queen in the last six months, but continues to maintain her condition in the pool. Always making the group laugh, she would much prefer to take up water walking, but the team won t let her. Tam grew up in the middle of nowhere, hence didn t learn how to swim until three years ago, blowing bubbles at the end of the pool with Ceinwen. Swimming has changed my life for the better in so many ways, and I hope we will all still be swimming together when we are 80, she said. Together, the team are bonded by their love of exercise, the thrill of a challenge, being mothers, great conversations and French champagne. Best of luck to the Aqua Commandos! Kath is the gun of the team! Frustratingly fast, both in and out of the water, even with little or no training. This is her first crossing, and the team are pumped that she is on their side so they can get there a little faster. Janelle will be coming off a solo swim to Rottnest in the Channel swim. She is determined, ever reliable and, thankfully, as fit as a Mallee Bull. I ve just bought a new car, so now I need the number plates, she said. 54

55 #6 Stephen O Keefe Stephen O Keefe started squad swimming in 1964 when he and his three sisters turned up at Beatty Park to start swim training. Back then, Beatty Park was the first public pool in Perth post the 1962 Empire & Commonwealth Games. Stephen went on to win a state title and regularly participated in many Swim Thru events, mainly through the river based swimming clubs the only swimming venues prior to the opening of public swimming pools. Stephen then progressed from a pool swimmer to surf lifesaving. He became a life time member of the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club in 1971 and competed at national championships throughout Australia many of which he used to drive many thousands of kilometres to attend! While attending the University of WA, Stephen was introduced to water polo, competing regularly in the intervarsity competition in places such as Townsville. He recalls driving a bus with his team mates for the 10,000km round trip as quite an adventure to say the least. Stephen is also a life member and the foundation President of the City Beach Water Polo Club - now the largest and most competitive club in Australia. He still plays the game with a group of colleagues who have competed at the FINA World Water Polo Championships in locations such as Riccione Italy, Boros Sweden and Montreal Canada. Recently he has turned his attention to the Rottnest Channel. He first started swimming to Rottnest 20 years ago and he has since completed over 20 team swims to the island. This year will be his first and only solo swim one he figured needed to be done soon. With swimming remaining a huge part of his life, Stephen still trains 5 6 times a week with the Tanham Squad and WGARA squad. Together they make up an eclectic group of both young and experienced swimmers, breakfast debaters and friends. Good luck for your first solo crossing Stephen! 55

56 #7 Les 1956 Team Les Stewart (80) Les began swimming at a very early age with beaches of Leighton and Swanbourne and the Mosman Park river just at his doorstep. He joined Belmont Swimming Club as an 18 year old and competed in many river swims and at competitions at the Crawley Baths. The blue ribbon event at that time was the 4.4km Swim Through Perth. On 24 January 1956, Gerd von Dincklage- Schulenberg became the first person to swim solo across the Rottnest Channel. The local paper, The Weekend News, challenged anyone interested to follow in his steps and take on a race to Rottnest Island. Around 30 people entered but only those who could swim from Fremantle to Perth were allowed to compete. The qualifying event was held a week before the official Rottnest event, with nine swimmers finishing. On March seven swimmers started the Rottnest swim with only 4 finishing Les was one of these brave people. I entered to see how far I could go and was pleasantly surprised to find I could actually make the distance! he said. Les went on to compete in a number of other open water events as the sport grew, including a number of 8km swims. He also participated in the Cocos Island 8km solo and Masters competitions in Alice Springs and on the Gold Coast. Les has completed five solo Rottnest Channel crossings in his career, the last in 2007 starting at Leighton Beach at the tender age of 71. Michael Stewart (51yo) Michael first became involved in competitive swimming competitively as a junior, before taking a break and joining West Coast Masters swimming club in He has competed in masters competitions both locally and interstate in Alice Springs and the Gold Coast, and was also a member of the team competing in the World Masters in Torino, Italy. With years of experience as a swimmer, skipper and paddler for the Rottnest Channel swim, Michael has completed three solo crossings and several duo and team crossings. His last solo Rottnest swim was topped off by completing solo in the Dunsborough to Busselton swim the following weekend. Along with the fitness gained from swimming, there have been many good friendships formed along the way, he said. I find that long swims can be very relaxing. Being in the water can block out other distractions and it often makes a solution to a problem seem very clear. In 2006 he was a member of the Barracudas English Channel six-man relay team which went on to be the oldest relay team in the world a record they held for six years. He was also chosen to be a part of the Australian Masters All Sports Team of the Year. 56

57 Sue Oldham (70yo) Les Stewart introduced Sue to swimming in 1991 at the age of 48 when she joined the West Coast Masters Swimming Club. At that stage Sue could not swim more than 25 metres without tiring. Since this time, Sue has completed 8 solo Rottnest crossings, 2 duos with Les, and numerous team crossings. In 2006 she became the oldest woman in the world to swim the English Channel and was a member of the six-man relay team which also held the age bracket world record for 6 years. The same relay team went on to win the 2006 Australian Sports Award Masters Team of the Year. Sue completed another solo English Channel crossing in 2010, regaining her title having lost it in 2007 to an English swimmer. In 2014 she was a member of an English Channel 4-man relay team which included Roger Allsopp (who was the oldest man in the world to swim at that time), Irishman Tom McCarthy who did breaststroke on all his rotations, and Kathy Phillips from the local Barracudas Swim Club. Sue has set her horizons on another English Channel solo crossing in 2017 having failed in 2014 due to weather. Andrew Stevens (60 yo) Andrew was 52 when he started swimming, recently emigrating from South Africa. When I arrived down at Mullaloo beach, Les was one of the first people I met with his friendly face, big grin and a mischievous look in his eyes, he said. Les has been an enormous inspiration to me over the years and a source of great encouragement and humour. He has also become a good friend. Andrew has completed three solo Rottnest Channel crossings. He has also completed the 8km solo swim from Coin de Mire Island to Grand Baie on the mainland of Mauritius. I have future plans to do many more medium distance Open Water swims combining it with travel, he said. The benefits that I have received from Open Water Swimming are many lower blood pressure, weight loss management, better sleeping and eating and a great feeling when the endorphins kick in. We mustn t forget the important cup of coffee and the chat with friends after our daily swims. Once I start, I find it difficult to stop swimming as I love the feeling of serenity swimming gives me. It s also a wonderful contributor to good health and the friendship and camaraderie within the swimming fraternity, both local, interstate & worldwide, is fantastic, she said. It is indeed a great pleasure to be involved with Les on his 60 year commemorative swim. Associating with people such as Les and Sue and the enthusiasm they share gives credence to the words, Impossible, Improbable, Inevitable. 57

58 Debbie Hart (54 yo) Debbie is an elite swimmer, having been a part of the GB International Swim Squad from 1975 to She has also won silver medals in the 50m Butterfly and 100m Butterfly at the 2014 FINA World Masters in Italy. After retiring from competitive swimming, Debbie opened up a Swim School in London in It is still running today with over 500 children attending and 300 on the waiting list. Since moving to Perth, Debbie has opened up a very small Swim School at the Kinsgway Goodlife Health Club. I love to completely switch off and almost meditate while swimming, she said. It s great for my well-being, flexibility and general fitness. And a fantastic way to start your day! Chloe Hart (24 yo) Chloe is a seasoned swimmer, having represented her school in the English School Games in 2004, the British Swimming World Class in 2005, and the World School Games in Athens in Chloe has also represented Great Britain in the European Youth Olympics in Italy, ranking first place in the 4x2 freestyle relay team. I like swimming because it gives me a feeling of peace and relaxation. I love going into the zone and I love the feeling of giving it my all and achieving goals that I set myself, she said. Chloe now teaches early childhood education at the Pearsal school in Perth. 58

59 Best of luck and thank you again for being part of the inaugural Hotel Rottnest Port to Pub swim! - The Port to Pub Committee 59

60 #porttopub