Rules
Swimwear/Costume
Category A: a capella
 Category A–1 : solo swim; Category A–2 : relay of 2 to 6 swimmers
This category is based on the English Channel crossing rules and regulations. The intent here is to have a category similar to theirs so that swimmers may compare feats accomplished under similar parameters.
Swimwear/Costume: Swimmers are permitted to wear one silicone or latex cap and one porous swim suit in one or two pieces made from textile materials, not designed to retain body heat (no neoprene) or aid in buoyancy. No wetsuits are allowed. For men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees. For women, the suit shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the knees. Any device or substance to help speed, buoyancy, endurance (such as wetsuits, webbed gloves, fins, snorkels, etc.), or maintenance of body heat is not legal and may not be used. Additionally, arm & leg bands shall not be regarded as part of the swimsuit and are not allowed..
Category B: wetsuit assisted
SBCSA discourages the use of wetsuits, but understands that certain individuals will feel the need to wear one during their swim. SBCSA will recognize "wetsuit assisted" or "performance enhanced" swims. However, these swims will not be eligible for any records or firsts. Wetsuit assisted swims will be labeled as such and will be listed separately from other successful Channel swims. The SBCSA will not promote the use of wetsuites, but wetsuit assisted swimmers will not be denied unless it appears there is a lack of preparation or other safety issues.
Category B-1: solo swim; Category B–2: relay of 2 to 6 swimmers
This category allows the use of a wetsuit head cap of any material and thickness.
All other rules apply. No flippers, paddles or webbed gloves will be allowed.
General Rules
The following rules apply to all swimmers.
- No swimmer shall use or be assisted by artificial aids of any kind.
- Swimmers are permitted to grease their body before the swim, use goggles, ear plugs, and a nose clip.
- During the swim no supporting contact whatsoever with the swimmer shall be permitted by any person or object.
- For a swim to be officially recognized, a swimmer must start from the shore standing on the beach above the water line if accessible, or touching a cliff face, and finish on the opposite shore, standing on the beach above the water line if accessible, or touching a cliff face.
- The timing of the swim starts when the swimmer enters the water or touches the cliff until he/she touches the opposite natural connecting shore, and clears the water or touches the cliff. The observer is in charge of the timing of the swim.
- Every Application for recognition of a swim must be accompanied by an official observer’s log ( which includes the official time, any incidents, times, tides, method of feeding, and other pertinent details ), completed forms and fees. Additional evidence may be requested by the committee at their discretion.
- The official observer shall be in sole charge of the timing of the swim, and shall be responsible for the interpretation of the rules, including the right to cancel the swim in adverse conditions and /or danger to the swimmer.
- The SBCSA will observe attempts to swim the channel regardless of age. However, if deemed necessary, we will ask for a qualifying swim.
- Each solo swimmer shall provide details of his/her swimming experience and a detailed complete medical report issued by a licensed MD within 30 days of the swimmers attempt. Also confirm to have done a 6 hour swim in water temperature similar to the California Channel in the season in which the attempt is to take place.
- For double crossings to be officially recognized the swimmer must return to the water 10 minutes after clearing the water upon arrival.
- A swimmer must not take drugs that are on the US Olympic Committee list of prohibited medications. This list is available from the Olympic Drug Reference Line at
(800-233-0393).
Relays
This category encompasses relays of 2 to 6 people. Larger number of people attempting the crossing will be sanctioned on a case by case basis.
- Each swimmer shall swim for a set time period (typically one hour) each time he or she enters the water. This time in the water is called a leg. All swimmers must swim the same number of legs during the crossing except at the end. Team members must rotate in the same order they started. Team members can choose to vary the time in the water as long as they complete a full rotation with each change of time.
- On receipt of the time signal, the new swimmer must enter the water behind the preceding swimmer and swim past him/her- in passing they do a high 5 touching their hands. This transfer should not exceed 5 minutes.
- No substitutions are allowed during the swim. If one of the team member fails to arrive at the day of the swim the group does the crossing with one less swimmer.
- No last minute substitutions are allowed.
- When one or more swimmers become disabled or chooses not to swim any more the remaining team members may continue the swim in the same order ( skipping the ones who have removed themselves ) The swim will be recognized.
Support
The following rules apply to all categories:
- The pilot/navigator of the support boat must be an experienced skipper. The hiring of vessels and pilots is entirely the choice and responsibility of the swimmer.
- Paddlers and or pacers are legal as long as they are not used as physical support by the swimmer.
- No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed by anybody associated with the swim, from dock to dock.
Recognition
- For a swimmer ( s ) to be officially recognized, the swimmer must enter the sea from the shore of departure beyond the tide at point of departure and touch the shore of arrival beyond the tide at the moment of arrival.
- For multiple crossings to be officially recognized the swimmer must touch the ground
and return immediately to the water, where he may stand or sit for up to 10 minutes. During this time he can be handed food, medicines and swimming apparel, grease but he cannot be touched by anyone else. The time spent before the return to the water will be added to the subsequent crossing.
- During the swim no physical contact shall be made with the swimmer. A swimmer may bump the side of the boat or kayak as long as there is no handhold established.
- SBCSA discourages the use of wetsuits, but understands that certain individuals will feel the need to wear one during their swim. SBCSA will recognize "wetsuit assisted" or "performance enhanced" swims. However, these swims will not be eligible for any records or firsts. Wetsuit assisted swims will be labeled as such and will be listed separately from other successful Channel swims. The SBCSA will not promote the use of wetsuites, but wetsuit assisted swimmers will not be denied unless it appears there is a lack of preparation or other safety issues.
- SBCSA will, to he best of its ability, recognize various starting and finishing points in the swim log (should the starting and/or ending point be of significance). However, the SBCSA will only recognize one of each category below per island, regardless of the route chosen by the swimmer.
First Male
First Female
Fastest
Time
Fastest Time Male
Fastest Time Female
Youngest Male
Youngest Female
Oldest Male
Oldest Female
Ratification
- The timing of a swim shall start from the moment the swimmer enters the water until he or she completes the swim.
- The appointed observer shall be in sole charge of the timing of the swim, and shall be responsible for observing compliance with the rules.
- Every application for recognition of a swim must be accompanied by the Pilot’s chart positions and by the observer report, recording incidents, times, tides, method of feeding etc.
Other
- If any situation arises which is not covered by the above rules, USA Open water rules will be in effect. The executive secretary is in charge of interpretations of the rules prior to the swim. The observer is in charge of the interpretation of the rules during the swim.
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