Competitor Information - General, Safety and Emergency Information
Kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis are positioned along the course to assist swimmers in the event of an emergency.
Coastguard and other powered craft will be positioned in the center and around the course.
If you need assistance while swimming, put your arm up and tread water to identify help required from a water support craft.
When approached by water safety craft, you must follow the directions of the water safety personnel.
Where the water safety craft is a kayak, do no grab the side of the kayak. Hold on the Front of the kayak.
In case of water emergency, the following applies:
- 3 blasts of an air horn = hold your position, tread water, pause.
- 1 blast following = race restarted.
- 3 blasts of the horn, repeated and continuously, signifies the Race Aborted. If you are able to, swim to the closest shore (island or mainland), following the outline of the course or doubling back on the same course. Don’t cut through the middle of the course. If you're not confident of swimming back, put your arm up to identify help required from a water support craft.
Where the race is aborted, you must return your transponder in order to check your safe return.
For competitors doing the 500m swim, the course follows the shoreline where volunteers will be situated to assist in case of an emergency.
All competitors must follow the directions of water safety personnel in the event of an emergency.
The St John ambulance will be present on site to attend to any emergency.
Clothing:
Meridian Swim Ruataniwha is a cold water swim. It is recommended to wear a suitable wetsuit. As the swim is in mid March 2025, it is not recommended to swim without a wetsuit.
Remember to apply sunscreen to prevent Duck Itch.
Remember to bring warm clothing, hat and blanket to get warm after you conclude your swim.
Comfort Station:
Comfort station is in the Meridian Marquee should you require extra assistance to recover and get warm after your swim.
