Rules for swimmers

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Rules for ALL events.

Swimmers must register at the Registration Office at the Lido. You can register any time from Friday morning when registration opens (see Event Schedule), but please note that you MUST register no later than ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED SWIMMING TIME (see Race Schedule ). Failure to register on time will result in disqualification. Please allow plenty of time to arrive and register.
Upon registration, each swimmer will be provided with a race card/competition pass and instructions. The pass will set out the times at which the swimmer is expected to assemble to be briefed and the race or swim times. The swimmer must keep the pass with them at all times.
Timings will be strictly adhered to. Any swimmer assembling late will not be allowed to swim.
Swimmers may not use any internal or external substances that preserve or increase body heat. Nobody may swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any race official or lifeguard may require a swimmer to leave the water if he or she believes that swimmer to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or presents a danger to him or herself, other swimmers, officials or spectators.
Swimsuits must be appropriate and non-transparent. Topless swimming or swimming without a bathing costume is not permitted. Except in relation to the water performance teams, swimsuits may not go beyond the middle of the thigh or past the shoulder (i.e. they may not have legs or sleeves) and shall have to thermal protection or buoyancy.
Swimmers may not use any device or material, which is designed to improve performance (this includes, without limitation, hand-paddles, snorkels, fins, or floatation devices).
With the exception of a hat, swimmers may not wear any additional clothing (e.g. gloves or neoprene socks) or wetsuits of any description, whether made of neoprene or any other material, even for dipping.
Swimmers must wear something on their head; either a swimming cap or, if the head is not submerged, a woollen or other warm hat.
The organiser's decision on whether or not a swimmer is attired appropriately will be final.
Diving into the water is not permitted.
Participants in all events must be 10 years old or over on the day of the competition.

Rules for competitors in the Winter Championship races

The only permissible stroke during the Winter Championship races on Saturday 9 February is head-up breast-stroke. The head may not be submerged at any time.
Details of your race are on your race card: race number, assembly time, race time. These times must be strictly adhered to.
Race numbers will be announced throughout the day. When a competitor hears his or her race number being called to the assembly point (which will be clearly marked) he or she must go there promptly otherwise they will not be allowed to race.
Competitors will change in the changing cubicles that line the pool after their Assembly Time. Bags will be provided for competitors' clothes. Please keep all your belongings with you. Competitors will then be escorted around the pool in stages to the start line.
Swimmers will be required to wear at least a swimming cap or other hat and may wear goggles.
When at the starting point of the race, competitors will be asked to confirm which race they are in.
Competitors will then be instructed to disrobe and line up in their respective lanes. This will happen as soon as the previous race has started.
Baskets will be provided for each lane and competitors should put all their clothing and bags into these. These will then be carried round to the other end of the lane, ready for the competitor to pick up his or her clothes when he or she has finished the race.
Competitors who are likely to need to use the steps to get into the water must indicate this at the registration desk and they will be shown where to get in. All other competitors must enter the water from the side of the pool. Competitors will then be instructed to put their shoulders under the water and to grip their lane rope at the place indicated. Until the race starts, each competitor must maintain his or her grip on the lane rope.
Competitors will then be instructed to get on their marks, get set and then the claxon will sound, indicating the start of the race.
False starts will not be called back. Blatant false starts will result in disqualification. Minor false starts will result in a five second penalty being added onto the race time. The decision of the referee will be final.
To finish, each competitor must touch the rail at the end of his or her lane with at least one hand.
Competitors must leave the water immediately after the race. They should retrieve their clothes from the basket that will have been brought round, and should proceed to the warm showers.
Up to 12 swimmers in each category will go through to the finals. If fewer than six competitors have registered for a swim in their category, there will be no preliminary heat and all those swimmers will swim in the final race.
The race schedule will show the time of the finals for each category. Each competitor is responsible for confirming whether or not he or she has qualified for a final and for obtaining their race card. Names of finalists and race details for each final will be posted as soon as possible during the day. Results for the races will be made available as the day progresses and will be available on the event web-site after the event.
There will be an award ceremony for finalists.

Rules for polar bears, seals and penguins

Swimmers in these categories may not change in the cubicles around the pool, which are reserved for the competitors in the timed races. However, seals, polar bears and penguins may use the communal changing rooms at the entrance to the pool.
Participants must leave the water immediately after their swim. They must proceed to the warm showers.

Rules for freestyle races

Swimmers must have entered either the Winter Championship races the Polar Bear, Seal or Penguin on Saturday 9 February to be eligible to compete in the relay races on Sunday 10 February.
Swimmers must wear a swimming cap
Assembly details as above
See Swimming Categories for details

Rules for International relays

Swimmers must have entered either the Winter Championship races or registered as a Polar Bear, Seal or Penguin on Saturday 9 February to be eligible to compete in the relay races on Sunday 10 February.
Each team must consist of a team captain and 3 swimmers. Only the team captain should register each team. Names of the other 3 team members should be provided on registration.
Teams must be mixed. There must be at least one woman and one man in each team.
Swimmers must wear a swimming hat
Assembly details as above
See Swimming Categories for details

Rules for endurance swims

Endurance swims are by invitation only.
The distance is 450 metres
Please apply by sending us a request to take part stating your cold water swimming experience which must be confirmed by your swimming coach or official from your swimming organisation.

Rules for water performance teams

Each team may have between 3 and 20 members.
Each performance must last at least 2 minutes and but no longer than 5 minutes (including time spent entering and leaving the water).
At least 3 members of the team must enter the water during the performance.
The team may provide its own music; the venue's PA system can be used to play it.
Preferably the performance should be humourous.
The judges' decision is final.

Recommendations for all swimmers

(please also see Tips for cold water swimming)

When being escorted around the pool or waiting for their swim, all swimmers are advised to have brought something warm for their feet, a hat and an outer-garment that can be put on over their swimming costume and kept on until the last moment, that can be removed and put back on quickly (for example, a dressing-gown or fleece). Competitors should avoid walking barefoot prior to swimming, as the ground can be extremely cold!
All swimmers and spectators are responsible for their own belongings at all times, save for when competitors clothes are being carried round the pool during the race by the organisers. The organisers can accept no liability for loss or damage to clothing, jewellery or other items. Competitors are strongly advised not to bring valuable items to the Lido. If they do bring such items they should not put them in the bags they are given during the race. There are no lockers available at the venue.
Competitors are advised not to stand around after their swim or race in cold wet swimming costumes as this increases the risk of hypothermia.
Competitors are asked to be considerate to those in the races after them who may also require warm showers and to get changed as quickly as possible.

Protests

Protests can be made against the decision of the referee or if an official fails to comply with the competition rules. Protests must be substantiated by reasonable factual evidence and should not be vexatious or trivial. All protests must be made in writing in English and must be delivered to the information desk within 30 minutes of the decision or event. The fee for submitting a protest is £20 which is payable at the time that the protest is submitted. If the protest is upheld the fee will be refunded. The competition director will be the final adjudicator of any protests and must provide reasons for his or her decision.

We trust that swimmers and others will use their common-sense if they wish to submit or make any protest.