Safety guidelines

• Epic swimmers should prepare themselves for which ever distance they intend to compete in.
• Epic swimmers enter at their own risk, are responsible for their own physical condition and are encouraged to seek the advice of a medical practioner before entry.
• Epic will make every effort to ensure a safe event. Please refer to the Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability for more information.
• Epic swimmers must be present at the race-briefing for their relevant event.
• If Epic numbers are large, race wave starts will apply.
• Safety craft will be patrolling the course for all races.
• St John will be on site to administer first aid if required.
• If a swimmer shows distress they will be pulled from the water by the safety craft.
• Epic swimmers must comply with directions given by officials and/or safety personnel.
• In the event of difficulty in the water, stop and raise your hand to identify yourself to the on-water safety craft. If this is not possible, simply roll onto your back to float in a relaxed position.
• If you are unable to complete the swim, you must report to the Registration area on return to land.
• Epic swimmers are asked to be courteous to fellow competitors and assist if they see other competitors in distress.
• Entrants 15 and under must have a guardian present on race day and must have parent/guardian signed consent for entry.
• Epic swimmers should be aware that hydration is very important pre and post race.

Race rules

1. Epic swimmers must attend their race-briefing.
2. Epic swimmers must start the race within the designated area.
3. Epic swimmers must round buoys as instructed in the race-briefing. Disqualification may occur if this rule is not abided by.
4. Un-sportsperson-like behaviour will not be permitted and will result in disqualification.
5. Any decisions made by Epic personnel are final.
6. For the Mini, Minor, Epic 2km, Epic 5km and Epic 10km swimmers can wear wetsuits. Membership of a Swimming New Zealand club is not required.
7. The NZ 10km and NZ 5km will be swum under FINA Rules and wetsuits are not permitted. Entrants must be a member of Swimming New Zealand club.
8. The NZ Masters 2.5km will be swum under FINA Rules. There will be a wetsuit and non-wetsuit category. Entrants must be a member of NZ Masters Swimming.
9. Paddles or fins are not permitted.
10. Epic swimmers are not permitted to have support craft on or around the course.
11. Cut off for 5k: 2 hours
    Cut off for 2k: 1 hour