The St. Vincent s SWIM Across the Sound Marathon Saturday, July 28, 2012 Captain s Cove Seaport, Bridgeport, CT 2012 Information Packet Sponsored by:
2012 ENTRY PACKET Dear Swimmer, 2012 is a very exciting year for SWIM Across the Sound, as we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary. The SWIM Marathon began in 1987 with six swimmers and has grown to more than 250 swimmers along with 120 boats, making it one of the largest open water events in the United States. For 25 years the SWIM has been there to help cancer patients and their families face the challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings. The SWIM might have changed over the years, but our vision to help the uninsured and underinsured, along with our neighbors facing unexpected challenging times has remained constant. Our first community initiative was a mammography screening program for women with no insurance. We continue to expand our services through our state-of-the-art Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care. In 2010 we opened the Lebo-DeSantie Center for Liver and Pancreatic Disease and offered new programs through our Integrative Survivorship Center, including a Caregiver Support Program and aquatics class. Today, the SWIM offers 50 subsidized programs that touch the lives of 20,000 individuals annually throughout the state of Connecticut. The 2012 SWIM Marathon will be held on Saturday, July 28th due to a very unfavorable tide on the first week of August. We apologize for any conflicts this may cause but safety is our highest priority. We are pleased to announce that, in addition to the Traditional and University Challenge team relays, we are introducing a new non-wetsuit category ( Classic ) for the team relays. All team members must wear lycra type suits only. We look forward to seeing you at the Marathon July 28th. It will truly be a wonderful celebration! Sincerely, Elizabeth Fry SWIM Marathon Director www.swimacrossthesound.org SWIM Marathon Info - Page 2 of 15
25 th ANNUAL SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012 Departure: Start: Finish: Distance: Time Limit: Max # of Participants: Minimum Age: Long Island Sound Ferry, Bridgeport - 6:30 am Approx. 8:30-9:30 am West Beach, Port Jefferson, NY Captain s Cove Marina - Bridgeport, CT 25km 9 hrs 30 min.* We have reserved 15 solo swimmers, 5 two-person relays and up to 55 team relays, a maximum of 75 swimming boats for relays and solos combined. 19 yrs old for solo swimmers and two-person relay team members, 13 yrs old for team relay members. Exceptions may be considered under the discretion of the Event Committee. Fees: Solo swimmers $1,500 Two-person relay $3,500 Team relay $7,500 Boats: Awards: Each swimmer/team will be provided with a motorized escort boat. Awards to the top male and female solo swimmers and relay categories. All swimmers are recognized for their participation. The relay team category focuses more on fundraising efforts for cancer programs sponsored by the SWIM, rather than race results. * The SWIM committee may grant additional time under certain swim conditions or circumstances. http://give.stvincents.org/marathon2012 SWIM Marathon Info - Page 3 of 15
Application Deadlines SWIM MARATHON TIMELINE OF EVENTS Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Friday, June 1, 2012 Friday, June 15, 2012 Monday, July 9, 2012 Thursday, July 26, 2012 2012 SWIM Marathon Registration Opens Last day to submit SAS Application with non-refundable entry fee due (received). Please keep in mind that the SWIM may be full before this date. SWIM Marathon field finalized* Last day for swim documentation. SAS will rescind the acceptance of any solo or two-person relay application who fails to submit medical forms and proof of completion of their qualifying swim(s) by this date. Swimmer and Crew mandatory meeting * The SWIM Committee reserves the right to add swimmers/teams on a waiting list. SWIM Day Schedule Saturday, July 28, 2012 SWIM Day SCHEDULE ON SWIM DAY 5:30 AM Meet at Captain s Cove Marina 6:00 AM Shuttle buses depart for Ferry Terminal 6:30 AM Ferry leaves from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson 7:45 AM Ferry arrives in Port Jefferson 8:00 AM Swimmers board escort boats 8:45 AM Wave 1 start time 9:15 AM Wave 2 start time 3:00 PM Estimated arrival time for lead swimmers 6:30 PM SWIM concludes 7:00 PM Awards ceremony and post-swim party* *Tentative Awards ceremony will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the SWIM Marathon. Fundraising Deadlines Friday, July 6, 2012 Monday, October 1, 2012 Applications and payments should be mailed to: Fundraising pledges due 2012 Fundraising completed SWIM CONTACTS St. Vincent s SWIM Across the Sound c/o St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation 2800 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06606 To contact the SWIM Marathon Director, Liz Fry, please e-mail marathondirector@swimacrossthesound.org For information about your application and the SWIM Marathon, please e-mail events@stvincents.org or call the St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation at 203-576-5451. For fundraising materials and other information about the Foundation, please call 203-576-5451 or visit the SWIM website: www.swimacrossthesound.org SWIM Marathon Info - Page 4 of 15
SWIM MARATHON INFORMATION 1. SWIM DAY LOGISTICS: (Please see the Timeline of Events for specific dates/times.) Swimmers arrive at Captain s Cove Marina. Shuttle buses will be provided to transport each swimmer and crew member to the ferry terminal. All swimmers must take the same ferry from Bridgeport, CT to Port Jefferson, NY. As most escort boat pilots spend Friday evening in Port Jefferson, the entire swim group and their support crews will take the same ferry over to NY. (The cost of the Ferry is included in the race fee.) The swimmers and boat captains will meet up at Danfords Marina and then proceed to the start at West Beach, just outside the Harbor entrance. Each escort boat will drop off their swimmer at the designated location specified by the Event Committee. The finish is at Captain s Cove Marina in Bridgeport. There will be a special temporary dock set up to act as a finish line. You may park at the garage for the Ferry terminal or at Captain s Cove and take one of the shuttle buses provided to take you to the ferry. 2. SWIM COURSE TIME LIMITS: Long Island Sound is a major destination for recreational boaters on the weekend, and your safety is the most important consideration. In order to keep the Armada of escort boats and perimeter safety boats within a reasonable distance of each other to provide the safest environment, cut-off times, at designated distances from the entrance to Black Rock Harbor, are provided below. The SWIM committee may grant additional time under certain circumstances. If you do not meet these designated cut-off times, you will be disqualified from the SWIM. The SWIM committee may permit a solo swimmer or relay team to continue to swim (unofficially) only upon advancing up to a distance with the time limits. Such permission can only be granted by the SWIM committee on that day and will be on a case-by-case basis. All measurements are based upon distance from Buoy 4, which is located at the entrance to Black Rock Harbor. Time Cutoff Distance to Buoy 2A (Land miles) (Nautical miles) 2 hours 11 miles 9.56 miles 4 hours 8 miles 6.95 miles 6 hours 5 miles 4.34 miles 8 hours 2 miles 1.74 miles 9 hours Reach Buoy 2A (1.3 miles to finish) 1.13 miles to finish 9 hours 30 min Finish at Captain s Cove Each hour, the SWIM official assigned to each boat will record in a log book the following information: GPS coordinates, distance from buoy 2A, condition of the swimmer, stroke rate per minute, and any other information deemed necessary. Every 2 hours, a SWIM official/observer will report on the condition of the swimmer/relay and the distance from Buoy 2A. If it is determined that the swimmer or relay is not within the distance from Buoy 2A guidelines, the swimmer or relay may be asked to abort the swim for safety reasons. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 5 of 15
SWIM MARATHON INFORMATION 3. SWIM COURSE MANAGEMENT: The SWIM course is determined by the course committee based on tides and other conditions and may be adjusted during the SWIM Marathon. All Escort Boats MUST FOLLOW the instructions of the Committee Boats, Law Enforcement Boats and Perimeter/Guide Boats. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 4. WATER CONDITIONS: The water temperature in Long Island Sound during the month of August ranges from approx 70F to 74F. The Sound can be choppy with a strong wind, and there is a fair amount of recreational boat traffic during this time of year. Jelly fish are not uncommon during this time of year, and the swimmer should prepare accordingly with appropriate treatments to treat such stings if they occur. 5. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All solo and relay swimmers must attend a mandatory meeting/dinner on the Thursday before the SWIM Day at a time and place to be determined. The SWIM committee reserves the right to change the start time and/or distance of the event in order to provide the safest conditions as possible due to inclement weather. Each swimmer will be provided an escort boat provided by the SWIM. You may not use your own escort without permission from the SWIM committee in advance. A swimmer is not allowed to touch the escort boat in any way; doing so will result in disqualification. If this happens, the SWIM official must notify a Committee Boat promptly. The only exception is if all the swimmers are asked to leave the water by the SWIM official for safety reasons due to inclement weather or other short-term safety concerns. Boat crews must stay in the escort boat and may not swim along side the swimmer to provide pacing. Each boat will be equipped with GPS, radio and cell phone. EMT s and life saving professionals are positioned on escort boats throughout the field. Fully staffed medical boats and underwater search and rescue teams will be strategically positioned throughout the field. A SWIM official/observer will be assigned to each escort boat to observe the swimmer and monitor his/her progress. HOTEL INFORMATION The Holiday Inn in Bridgeport is the official host for the SWIM. A specially negotiated discounted hotel rate at the Holiday Inn is available by mentioning the SWIM. Please contact the Holiday Inn, 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Phone: (203) 334-1234. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 6 of 15
SWIM MARATHON FUNDRAISING INFORMATION St. Vincent s SWIM Across the Sound Marathon is the annual season-ending and marquee event of fundraising for the SWIM s cancer prevention, education and support programs. The St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation will be happy to provide some ideas and materials that you may need in order to achieve your goal. Call (203) 576-5451 to obtain some additional marketing materials about SWIM Across the Sound to assist in your fundraising The following items are included as part of the fundraising goal: Pre-SWIM dinner meeting for each team member Ferry transportation to Port Jefferson Escort boat for the Marathon One commemorative T-shirt and hat for each swimmer plus other race bag goodies Post-SWIM meal and party PLEDGE COMMITMENT SOLO SWIMMERS: A minimum of $1,500 TWO-PERSON RELAY SWIMMERS: A minimum of $3,500 TEAM RELAYS: A minimum of $7,500 SWIM participants are encouraged to raise more than the minimum pledge for this great cause. FUNDRAISING DEADLINES Friday, July 6, 2012 Monday, October 1, 2012 Fundraising pledges due 2012 Fundraising completed PAYMENT INFORMATION: A non-refundable registration fee payment of $200 is due at the time of online registration. This amount will be included in your fundraising goal. Pledges by donors can be made online or by check mailed to the address below. Additional instructions are provided on the website. St. Vincent s SWIM Across the Sound is a qualified charitable organization under Section 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. PLEASE MAIL ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND PLEDGES TO: St. Vincent s SWIM Across the Sound c/o St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation 2800 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06606 NOTE: THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL FEES RELATED TO THE EVENT. THE FUNDRAISING GOAL INCLUDES ALL BOAT FEES, FERRY TICKETS, MANDATORY PRE-SWIM DINNER AND POST-SWIM PARTY FOR THE SWIMMERS AND CREW. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 7 of 15
SWIM MARATHON FUNDRAISING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is there a fundraising commitment requirement for this event? Yes, the event has the following fundraising minimum commitment requirements: Solo Swimmer - $1,500 Two-Person Swim Team - $3,500 Team Relays (4-6 person) - $7,500 Swimmers are encouraged to surpass the minimum goal requirement for their specific category in order to make an even bigger difference in the fight against cancer. This requirement is set to maximize the funds we are able to direct to the 40 prevention, screening, education and support programs funded by this event. When is the due date for meeting the fundraising commitment requirement? What happens if I don t meet this date? In order to guarantee your participation into the SWIM Marathon, fundraising commitments must be met by July 6th. If funds are not received by this date, we reserve the right to cancel your participation. Each swimmer/relay will be reviewed on an individual basis. Consideration will be given to matching gifts and other pending transactions. If you have any questions, please contact us. If you have not met your fundraising commitment and your participation has been cancelled, all monies raised up to that point will be considered a donation to the SWIM. At the discretion of the SWIM Committee, swimmers may be given one full month after the date of the SWIM to submit any additional monies they have raised to reach the fundraising commitment. Is the $200 Registration Fee counted towards the fundraising commitment? Yes, the $200 registration fee will be counted toward your fundraising commitment. Registration fees are non-refundable. After registration, you have a 14-day period from the day you registered to withdraw from the SWIM and you will not be held responsible for your fundraising commitment. If within those 14 days you decide that you cannot make this commitment for any reason, immediately notify the Foundation Office. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 8 of 15
SWIM MARATHON FUNDRAISING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How can I raise funds? Online fundraising is easy. Once you have registered online you will be able to customize your swimmer fundraising personal page. From there, you can import your contacts and send e-mail messages that link to your page. If you would like additional fundraising ideas, e-mail events@stvincents.org or call the Foundation office. Set your goal high! Do you accept donations by check? Check and/or money orders payable to SWIM Across the Sound are acceptable forms of donation, but make sure they include your name on them. You should mail these offline donations to the Foundation office in the self-addressed return envelopes provided to you. If the check is made payable to you or your team, please endorse the back of the check. In addition to your signature, please write, For deposit only payable to SWIM Across the Sound. Can we submit donations in cash? Cash can be brought directly to the Foundation Office. DO NOT MAIL CASH! It is preferred that swimmers who receive donations in cash, write a check or purchase a money order to submit the donation. No tax receipt will be generated. How long does it take for donations to be posted to my personal page? Credit card donations made via the website are posted immediately. Check, money order and/or credit card donations submitted via mail will be posted within three weeks of their mailing date. How will I know when I receive offline donations? Offline donations will be posted in the honor roll section of your personal webpage, just like online donations. An e-mail will be generated on the 15th of each month with your fundraising status report. All online and offline donations received prior to this date will be reflected in your report. Can I collect donations in foreign currency? Yes, credit card and check donations received in foreign currency will be converted at the bank rate at the time they are processed. All donation amounts are credited to SWIM Across the Sound in U.S. dollars. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 9 of 15
SWIM MARATHON FUNDRAISING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can my donors get tax receipts? Most donors use either their credit card receipt or cancelled check as donation receipts. Online donors will receive an e-mail confirmation and acknowledgement as soon as the transaction is complete. For all offline gifts, a written confirmation will be mailed within three (3) weeks of the date the donation was processed. As required by the IRS, anyone making a single donation of $250 or more will receive a hardcopy receipt directly from St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation. Do we get credit for matching gifts from our donor s employers? Yes. Matching gift amounts will count towards your fundraising commitment. Matching gift donations will be credited to your account once the check has been received from the company. Many companies have unique policies on matching gifts and vary in processing time. We cannot guarantee the amount of time it takes for a company to approve the request forms, process the matching gift, and cut checks to the Foundation. Please contact your company for more information. Where do we send matching gift forms? Please include the swimmer s name and send the completed matching gift forms to: St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation 2800 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06606 What is the St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation/ SWIM Across the Sound Federal Tax ID number? The St. Vincent s Medical Center Foundation/SWIM Across the Sound Federal Tax ID number is 22-2558132. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 10 of 15
SWIM MARATHON RULES & GUIDELINES SOLO SWIMMERS 1. CLOTHING: One suit, swim cap, goggles, earplugs and grease will be allowed. For women, suits that cover up to their neck and down to their knees are acceptable. For men, suits may not cover their torso, nor go below their knees. Neither men nor women may wear suits that cover their shoulders in any way. All suits must be of the traditional swimming style lycra type suits. Swimmers must wear the provided swim cap. 2. ASSISTANCE: Solo swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Wetsuits, fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the SWIM. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification. All solo swimmers should bring at least one crew member to provide feeding assistance. If a swimmer is unable to bring their own crew, please notify the SWIM committee and we will use our best efforts to provide you a crew member. Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. 3. QUALIFYING SWIM: All solo applicants must submit proof of a six-hour or longer qualifying swim in open water completed within the past 18 months in order to be eligible to participate in the event. Swimmers who have successfully completed any of the following swims within the past 18 months are exempt from the sixhour qualifier swim: Tampa Bay 24 mile Marathon Swim Manhattan Island Marathon Swim SWIM Across the Sound English Channel Catalina Island Round Jersey Swim (Channel Islands) Other USA/USMS distance swim > 10 miles 4. AGE MINIMUM: Solo swimmers must be 19 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. Exceptions may be considered under the discretion of the Event Committee. 5. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: All solo swimmers must have their primary physician fully complete the required medical form. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 11 of 15
SWIM MARATHON RULES & GUIDELINES TWO-PERSON RELAY SWIMMERS 1. CLOTHING: One suit, swim cap, goggles, earplugs and grease will be allowed. For women, suits that cover up to their neck and down to their knees are acceptable. For men, suits may not cover their torso, nor go below their knees. Neither men nor women may wear suits that cover their shoulders in any way. All suits must be of the traditional swimming style lycra type suits. Swimmers must wear event swim cap provided. 2. ASSISTANCE: Two-person relay swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Wetsuits, fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the SWIM. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification. All two-person relay swimmers should bring one crew member to provide feeding assistance. If a swimmer is unable to bring their own crew, please notify the SWIM committee and we will use our best efforts to provide you a crew member. Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. 3. QUALIFYING SWIM: All two-person relay applicants must submit proof of a four-hour or longer qualifying swim in open water completed within the past 18 months in order to be eligible to participate in the event. Swimmers who have successfully completed any of the following swims within the past 18 months are exempt from the four-hour qualifier swim: Tampa Bay 24 mile Marathon Swim Catalina Island Manhattan Island Marathon Swim Round Jersey Swim (Channel Islands) SWIM Across the Sound Other USA/USMS distance swim > 10 miles English Channel 4. AGE MINIMUM: Two-person relay swimmers must be 19 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. Exceptions may be considered under the discretion of the Event Committee. 5. TWO-PERSON RELAY INSTRUCTIONS: Swimmers must alternate every 30 minutes (no exceptions). The order of the swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim. The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer. Relay team members must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification. 6. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Both swimmers must have their primary physician fully complete the required medical form. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 12 of 15
SWIM MARATHON RULES & GUIDELINES TEAM RELAY Traditional (wetsuits allowed) 1. CLOTHING: Traditional Team Relay swimmers are permitted to wear wetsuits. Swimmer must wear event swim cap provided while in the water. 2. ASSISTANCE: Swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the SWIM. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification. Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. 3. QUALIFYING SWIM: No qualifying swim is required. It is strongly recommended that all relay team members gain experience swimming in open water prior to participation. 4. AGE MINIMUM: Team relay swimmers must be 13 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. 5. RELAY INSTRUCTIONS: A minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 relay swimmers per team. Swimmers must alternate every 15-30 minutes (no exceptions). Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. The order of the swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim. The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer. Additional crew or helpers outside of team relay members are not permitted on the escort boat due to space limitations and safety reasons. Team relay swimmers must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. There is no warm-up before the SWIM. Only lead-off swimmers are permitted in the water. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 13 of 15
SWIM MARATHON RULES & GUIDELINES TEAM RELAY Classic (no wetsuits allowed) 1. CLOTHING: Classic Team Relay swimmers are not permitted to wear wetsuits. One suit, swim cap, goggles, ear plugs and grease will be allowed. For women, suits that cover up to their neck and down to their knees are acceptable. For men, suits may not cover their torso, nor go below their knees. Neither men nor women may wear suits that cover their shoulders in any way. All suits must be of the traditional swimming style lycra type suits. Swimmer must wear the provided swim cap. 2. ASSISTANCE: Swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the SWIM. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification. Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. 3. QUALIFYING SWIM: No qualifying swim is required. It is strongly recommended that all relay team members gain experience swimming in open water prior to participation. 4. AGE MINIMUM: Team relay swimmers must be 13 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. 5. RELAY INSTRUCTIONS: A minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 relay swimmers per team. Swimmers must alternate every 15-30 minutes (no exceptions). Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. The order of the swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim. The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer. Additional crew or helpers outside of team relay members are not permitted on the escort boat due to space limitations and safety reasons. Team relay swimmers must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. There is no warm-up before the SWIM. Only lead-off swimmers are permitted in the water. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 14 of 15
SWIM MARATHON RULES & GUIDELINES TEAM RELAY University Challenge 1. PARTICIPATION: Teams in this category are comprised of students and/or alumni from the same university or college. The goal of the University Challenge is to create opportunities for alumni to stay connected with their university, fellow teammates and current students. Anyone can captain a team; team members are required to either be currently enrolled or to have attended the school for at least two semesters. Team captains must notify their university/college athletic director and swim coach of their intention to participate in this event. It is up to each team captain and team member to be sure they are in compliance with their school s particular rules and regulations concerning fundraising. In general, students or alumni are not allowed to accept cash on behalf of a charity while representing the school and most schools require that checks only be made out to the charity (SWIM Across the Sound) and not in the name of the student. Most participants will find that they can comply with their schools regulations by sending donors directly to the SWIM website to make their donation online. 2. CLOTHING: University Challenge Team Relay swimmers are permitted to wear wetsuits. Swimmer must wear event swim cap provided while in the water. 3. ASSISTANCE: Swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the SWIM. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification. Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. 4. QUALIFYING SWIM: No qualifying swim is required. It is strongly recommended that all team relay members gain experience swimming in open water prior to participation. 5. AGE MINIMUM: Team relay members must be 13 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. 6. RELAY INSTRUCTIONS: A minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 relay swimmers per team. Swimmers must alternate every 15-30 minutes (no exceptions). Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. The order of the swimmers must be maintained throughout the swim. The transition from one swimmer to the next must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind, and the transition is considered complete when the entering swimmer fully passes the departing swimmer. Additional crew or helpers outside of team relay members are not permitted on the escort boat due to space limitations and safety reasons. Team relay members must enter the water feet first. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. There is no warm-up before the SWIM. Only lead-off swimmers are permitted in the water. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. SWIM Marathon Info - Page 15 of 15