Port Nelson Summer Sea Swims 2009-2010
Nelson Yacht Club
Wakefield Quay
Nelson
New Zealand
Sea swims have been held in Nelson over the summer on Thursday nights for 22 years. For the first 20 years, the swims were organised by Peter Owen of the Nelson company Eyebright, and were known as the Eyebright swims. That historical link remains, with the annual Eyebright Mile, actually a swim of 2km, to be held this coming season on Friday January 1.
Two seasons ago, organisation moved to a small group, working under the auspices of the Nelson Triathlon and Multisports Club. Port Nelson became the naming rights sponsor for the Thursday series, which this season starts on November 19 (familiarisation night). Thirteen competition swims follow from November 26, with the final swim on March 4.
**Due to cancellation of two swims early in the season, swimming will now continue to March 28.**
The Port Nelson Summer Sea Swims are held each Thursday night at 6.15pm from the Nelson Yacht Club ramp on Wakefield Quay in Nelson. Swimmers must register by 6pm. Season registration costs $30 for the season of 14 swims and includes a series swim cap. School students pay $15 for the season, but must supply their own cap (which may be provided by their swim club). Extra series caps are available for $5. Casual swims cost $5 per night. Please check in at the ramp by 6pm.
On each night there will be a short and a long course. The short swim will generally be 200m-500m, while the long swim will be 800m-1500m. Exact distances will vary depending on conditions, but expect the swims to be shorter at first, building in distance as the season progresses.
A new category will be introduced this year for social swimmers. This is a category for swimmers who enjoy the company and security of the series environment, but do not wish to compete. The social group will start after the racing has begun and will be encouraged to form buddy groups. They will swim in a designated area with a dedicated kayak escort and be protected by the other support craft wherever possible. They will also be in view of the shore safety official.
How the series works
The top female and male swimmer for the year will be determined by awarding points to the first ten male and female swimmers (regardless of age) in the long swim each night.
As well, to determine the best swimmers in each age group, season points will accumulate in the following categories:
- Short swim male under-16
- Short swim female under-16
- Short swim male 16+
- Short swim female 16+
- Long swim males under-16, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
- Long swim females under-16, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
As even the keenest swimmers can't make every swim, season points will be taken on a competitor's best 10 swims. The convention used last year has changed, with age group now being taken on the swimmer's age at March 31, 2010. For example, if you turn 30 on March 15, you'll swim in the 30-39 age group all season.
Things you should know and remember
Swimmers will be allocated a race number, which will be written on the back of their hand each night. Please register online. If you plan to do just a few races, choose the Pay at Event option and pay $5 when you check in. By registering online, we have your emergency contact information, check-in is quicker and you'll be emailed results straight after the race.
Casual entries on the night of the swim will be taken, but please arrive early to fill in a disclaimer.
Once you have entered for the first time, you can add other race options later. Please leave the registration box ticked for your existing event when you add subsequent events.
Each night's course will be displayed on a white board at the top of the ramp. It's your responsibility to know the course, whether you're swimming the short or the long swim.
The finish zone will be marked by two cones on the ramp at the water line. Time will be taken when swimmers stand up within 3m of cones. Proceed between the cones in the order you finished. Your numbers will be taken then.
If you need assistance, raise your hand and call out.
If you do not finish the race, be sure to notify the timekeepers that you have pulled out, otherwise we have no way of knowing that you’re not still in the water.
Results will be posted on this website as soon as possible after each race.
There are common hazards which you should be aware of and precautions you should take:
- Depending on the state of the tide, the ramp can be dangerously slippery. Take care when entering or leaving the water.
- The tidal flow can have a significant effect on your progress. The courses will be designed to minimise this effect, but listen carefully to each night's race briefing.
- The common navigational markers - buoys, posts, the dolphin and anchored boats can have sharp objects growing on them. Take care when swimming around them, particularly if the tide is pushing you towards them.
- Give other swimmers room - swim around, not over - be aware of younger swimmers.
- Jewellery which may endanger other swimmers must not be worn.
- All swimmers should undertake the appropriate training in preparation for this event.
- Swimmers enter at their own risk, are responsible for their own physical condition and are urged to train for the swims.
- Warning is given to all entrants that these events are demanding. Possible risks include drowning or being hit by a boat, object or person.
- It is important to note that, while every effort will be made to ensure a safe and fun event, organisers and crew are unable to guarantee your safety.
- Swimmers with low confidence are encouraged to enter in the short course until they are comfortable with the demands of sea swimming.
- Inflatables and kayaks with safety flotation equipment will be patrolling the course for the duration of each race.
- In the event of difficulty in the water, stop and raise your hand to identify yourself to a patrol boat or paddler. If this is not possible, simple roll on to your back to float in a relaxed position.
- In the event of an injury/accident during the swim, please report this to one of the safety crew on the water or on land as soon as possible.
- If you decide to pull out for any reason, please alert an event official.
- Wetsuits are recommended for assistance with bouyancy and warmth especially in the longer course swims.
- Please give assistance to fellow competitors in need of help.
Race rules
- Competitors must be present at the race briefing.
- Competitors must start the race within the designated area.
- Competitors must around buoys as instructed in the safety-briefing. If they fail to do this, they will be disqualified.
- Deliberately obstructing other swimmers in the field is prohibited. Doing so will result in disqualification.
- Any competitor that appears incapable of completing the race at any stage may be withdrawn by the organisers, either prior to or during the race.
- The Race Director's decision is final.
- Swim caps are compulsory and high visibility colours are recommended.
- While in the water, all swimmers must comply with the directions of patrol boats and paddlers.
- A swimmer deemed incapable of completing the course in reasonable time, or for any other reason, may be brought to shore by the water patrol at any time.
- Under-16-year-olds must have a signed consent for entry.
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