Safety

General Safety Information for All TCOWHM Participants:

1.  Mandatory safety meeting prior to each start.

2.  Check-in required on race day.

3.  Personal safety buoy required to be worn throughout swim.

4.  Body marking to identify registered participants.  

5.  Be prepared for the elements (weeds and other lake life; water temp and weather).  Estimated water temp in Lake Minnetonka is approximately 75-80 F.

6.  If there is lightening/thunder/severe weather in the area within 30 min of the start, it will be delayed and potentially cancelled.

7.   If there is lightening/thunder/severe weather in the area during the swim, swimmers (and any escorts and safety boats, etc.) will need to clear the course.

8.  Suits:  To be eligible for awards, suits must follow USMS Open water requirements.

9.  It is the swimmer's responsibility to know and follow the course.

10.   Participants will have food and water available at the completion.

* Escorted swim (5 mile and 10 mile):  Escorts should guide swimmers.  Escorts must stay within 20 feet of swimmer.  If a swimmer and escort are separated, or if there is any other assistance needed, the escort should wave a red flag (provided at the start of the race) for a safety boat to come to their assistance.  If there is a medical emergency on the course, the escort and/or safety boat shall call 911, the safety boats shall communicate with the race director to sound the air-horns and the swim may be stopped (possibly cancelled) until resolved.