Rules & Guidelines

Solo Swimmers

PARTICIPATION:

  • Solo swimmers swim the 25 Kilometer distance individually.

  • Enrollments are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please remember, applications are not considered to be complete until all the required information has been received and approved by the Swim committee.

CLOTHING:

  • One suit, swim cap, goggles, earplugs and grease will be allowed. For women, suits that cover up to their neck and down to their knees are acceptable. For men, suits may not cover their torso, nor go below their knees. Neither men nor women may wear suits that cover their shoulders in any way. All suits must be of the traditional swimming style “lycra” type suits.

  • Swimmers must wear the provided swim cap.

ASSISTANCE:

  • SOLO swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any other devices to maintain body heat. Wetsuits, fins, hand paddles, pull buoys or boards are strictly prohibited.

  • Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed.

  • Swimmers may not touch the escort boat or any other boat during the swim. A violation of this rule shall result in disqualification.

  • All SOLO swimmers should bring one crew member to provide feeding assistance. If a swimmer is unable to bring their own crew, please notify the Swim Committee and we will use our best efforts to provide you a crew member.

  • Swimmers are required to bring their own food for the swim.

  • The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.

QUALIFYING SWIM: 

All SOLO applicants must submit proof of a six-hour or longer qualifying swim in open water completed within the past 18 months in order to be eligible to participate in the swim. Swimmers who have successfully completed any of the following swims within the past 18 months are exempt from the six-hour qualifying swim.

  • Tampa Bay 24-mile Marathon Swim

  • Catalina Island Channel

  • Manhattan Island Marathon Swim

  • Round Jersey Swim (Channel Islands)

  • St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound

  • English Channel

  • Other USA/USMS distance swim > 10 miles

  • Six-Hour Qualifying Swim *

*Applicants must complete at least 10 miles during the 6 hour qualifying swim. Please complete and submit the Qualifying Swim-Observer Report and Qualifying Swim Log. Solo applicants must submit this requirement by the documentation deadline.

Six-Hour Qualifying Swim should be six hours of continuous swimming, with in-water feedings (if at all possible) to try to duplicate the routine you will encounter in the Swim Marathon. You should try to have a few people with you in order to assist in this qualifying swim so they can keep your log and help you with the feedings. You may also have other swimmers accompany you on this swim that can go as fast or slow as you desire. An example of a qualifying swim log is enclosed in the solo application. After completion of your qualifying swim, your observer should submit the form on your behalf.

If you are exempt from a six-hour qualifying swim, please submit copies of official race results or other documentation from one of the events listed above.

AGE MINIMUM:

  • SOLO swimmers must be 19 years old on or before December 31 of the year of the event, in accordance with FINA Age Rules. Exceptions may be considered under the discretion of the Swim Committee.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

  • All SOLO swimmers must have their primary physician fully complete the required medical form.

  • Medical examinations must be completed within one (1) full year of participation in the Swim Marathon.

  • Solo applicants must submit proof of Qualifying Swim and completed the Medical Form by the documentation deadline.

For more information, please call the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation at (475) 210-7308 or (475) 210-7307.