(a) Competitors in Ocean Swim events shall register, collect caps (if provided), timing chips (if provided), and mark their age division on their upper arms and/or body as/if required by event organisers. If timing chips (or similar technology) are used to judge event finishes, the devices are to be worn on each competitor’s left ankle unless otherwise directed.
(b) Competitors shall assemble in the marshalling area when called wearing a SLSA approved swim suit and with their cap relevant to their division (or if no race cap is provided by the organiser with their club/team competition cap or rubber/silicone cap). Competitors are then to file into the competition arena and to the start line as directed.
Note 1: Only the swimwear approved for SLSA swim events may be worn i.e., it is not permitted to wear World Aquatics ocean swimsuits, or tri-suits etc.
Note 2: SLSA approved wetsuits or stinger suits may be worn only if approved by the Competition Committee because of weather, water, or other marine conditions.
Note 3: Unless otherwise prescribed by organisers, competitors are not required to wear distinctive high visibility vests in ocean swims but must wear the provided caps worn securely on their head at they enter the water to commence their event. These caps are to assist with identification of competitors in the water.
Note 4: Competitors are permitted to wear protective clothing over their swim suits while in the marshalling area but are to remove such clothing when entering the competition arena.
(c) At the given signal the competitors shall commence from the start line, enter the water without impeding any other competitors in the event, swim to and around the course as directed, and return to shore and cross the finish line to record a finish result. Competitors not completing the course as directed may be penalised or disqualified.
(d) The direction of a typical course shall require competitors to turn right around the first three large swim turning buoys, and then left after passing the final large swim turning buoy, and then head back to shore to complete the course. If the typical course is conducted in a reverse direction competitors shall be required to turn left around the first three large swim turning buoys, and then right after passing the final large swim turning buoy, and then head back to shore to complete the course.
(e) The smaller course buoys are for a guide only and may passed on either side.
(f) Except for the start and finish, and any wading in shallow water on the outer sand banks, competitors must swim the entire course.
(g) No personal escort craft are permitted on the course. Water Safety, etc., will be provided by the event organisers.
(h) Except where otherwise advised in relevant event circulars, the Ocean Swim shall be conducted as per the general conditions and rules contained in the current edition of the SSM.