EVENT DESCRIPTION · Web viewBoats at anchor from start to finish of the sanctioned event with engine(s) off, while any swimmer is in the water; and Boats with propellers fore of

April 14, 2015 - Page 2015 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN

1.0 EVENT DESCRIPTION1.1 General DescriptionThe September 20, 2015 chip timed events are:1.) AquaRun for a Child (3K swim followed by a 5K run OR 5K swim followed by a 5K run) individual race and relay, 2.) 3K or 5K Swim Defiance3.) 5K Run/WalkThe 5K electronic chipped swim is on a triangular course that starts in the water at Owen Beach two orange triangular buoys and proceeds north toward Vashon Island and makes two right hand turns around the outside of a two tall yellow cylindrical buoys at 2.5K miles and then heads south back to Owen Beach. The 3K swimmers will take a bus from the finish area to the 10:15 AM Tahlequah Washington State Ferry, walk on and enjoy a 15 minute ride to Vashon Island. Once they arrive, they will walk to the primitive public beach just west of the Ferry terminal, deposit their non-swim garb in provided bags and leave along shore in designated area and enter the water ready to swim past the left tall yellow cylindrical buoy after the start at approximate 11:00 AM. All swimmers will finish with a run up the beach across a timing mat. The course is shown on the map in section 8.0 The 5K open water race starts at 10:05 a.m. The 3K, AquaRun and relay swim legs start at 11:00 a.m. very near the peak of slack time at high tide (predicted for 11:08 a.m.). All swims end at Marine Park. The last swimmer is expected to finish before 1:00 p.m. as there is a 2 hour after start cut off time for the 3K swim and a 2 hour and 55 minute after start cut off time for the 5K swim.

1.2 Swim Race Course

5K Swim GPS coordinates for clockwise 5k triangular course

3K Swim Start Details to join 5K course for one-way 3k linear swim

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1.3 Expected Race Conditions

Weather temperatures in Tacoma WA for September 2015, based on the Farmer’s Almanac, the Pacific Northwest summer will be drier than normal, with temperatures near normal. The hottest periods will occur in mid- and late June and early to mid-July.

60° (1.0° below avg.); precipitation 1" (0.5" below avg.); Water temperature will vary between 58 and 66 °F. Tide Predictions provided by NOAA, http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/viewDailyPredictions.jsp?bmon=09&bday=20&byear=2015&timelength=daily&timeZone=2&dataUnits=1&datum=MLLW&timeUnits=2&interval=highlow&format=Submit&Stationid=9446375, shows the race to be conducted near the peak of SLACK tide at 1108. Max current expected up to 1332 is 1.3 knots, waning to ebb tide at 1332 at 1.26 knots as shown by http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/Predictions?id=PCT1826_1&d=2015-09-20&r=1&t=am%2Fpm&u=1&tz=LST%2FLDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdvalue=. Maximum current is expected at 1332; 30 minutes after the race cut off time of 1300. Strong East to West currents along shore oppose middle channel West to East currents when NOT at slack tide. An average expected high tide of 9.9 feet is expected on 20 September 2015 at 1104 with a max tidal range in Commencement Bay from .95 feet to 9.9 feet.

Sea State 4 (small waves, fairly frequent small white caps, wind speed 11-16 knots, wave height 3.3feet or 1 meter) is typical of the water conditions on the race course and is what is expected on race day. If Sea State 6 (large waves with white foam crests, spray probably, wind speed 22-27 knots, wave height 9.9 feet/3 m) is achieved, all other conditions must be ideal to conduct the race.

1.4 AquaRun 5K Run/Walk Safety Plan

The following plan is to outline safety measures relative to potential hazards and anticipated traffic of 10-20 runners at Owens Beach Park on September 20, 2015 for the 5K Run/Walk. These guidelines are intended for the Event Director and Safety Focal to set forth as activities or conditions demand. Three areas are covered: the Pavilion (where registration, non-sales vendor booths and the awards display and ceremony, if raining, will occur), the start/finish area and the 5K length of the run course.

Water stations

Runners/Walkers will stay to their right (counter clockwise) on the run course. Water/aid stations will be accessible from both directions of the run/walk and will be placed at three different places along the 5K course.

On-course Emergency during the 5K Swim

In the event of an emergency requiring professional assistance, Tacoma 911 has confirmed that calling 911 to Owens Beach Park or Anthony’s Restaurant extraction points are fastest method for medical help. Each water station volunteer will know the closest location and will have a cell phone (or short wave radio) to make the call if necessary.

1.5 Race Day Schedule

08:45 AM Swimmer Check in opens

09:45 AM Mandatory swimmer Safety Briefing

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http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/Predictions?id=PCT1826_1&d=2015-09-20&r=1&t=am%2Fpm&u=1&tz=LST%2FLDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdvalue

http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/Predictions?id=PCT1826_1&d=2015-09-20&r=1&t=am%2Fpm&u=1&tz=LST%2FLDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdvalue

http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/viewDailyPredictions.jsp?bmon=09&bday=20&byear=2015&timelength=daily&timeZone=2&dataUnits=1&datum=MLLW&timeUnits=2&interval=highlow&format=Submit&Stationid=9446375




10:05 AM 5K Race start

10:15 AM 3K swimmers board Talequah Ferry

11:00 AM 3K Race start

11:17 AM Expected first 5K finisher

11:45 AM Expected first 3K finisher

1:00 PM 3K/5K Swimmer CUT-OFF time

2.0 Race Staff and Support

Each group has a designated leader who will organize, direct and coordinate their efforts with the Safety Director

2.1. Race DirectorZena Courtney, 206-651-0823/ Seasoned Collegiate and Elite Masters Swimmer also engineering project manager for large aerospace company.

2.2. Safety DirectorPOC: Steven Courtney, 206-715-4725/ Current First Responder trained professional with Port Of Seattle Law Enforcement.

2.3. Lifeguards

POC – Malcolm Neely 253-221-6548, Tukwila Pool Aquatics Program Coordinator, Head Lifeguard

2.4. Kayaks/Canoes/Outriggers:

POC- Mark Greengo 206-714-8622, Boeing Employees Whitewater & Touring Club (BEWET)

2.5. Power Boats:

POC- Eric Schmidt 425-471-6572 on lead boat with Mark Edwards/206-419-9377 captain.

TBD Power Boat 2- Gabe Bush/425-246-6007

TBD Power Boat 3 /Dung Nguyen 253-670-4035.

2.6. Zodiac/Jet Skis

POC- Captain Mark Rapozo, PCFD 13, 253-377-3832

2.7. US Coast Guard/Harbor Patrol;

TBD: 2014’s POC Tom Linsley (206) 780-9001/USCG Action.

2.8. First Aid and Medical Assistance

In the event of an emergency requiring professional assistance, Tacoma 911 has confirmed that calling 911 to Pt Defiance Marina by Anthony’s Restaurant extraction point is fastest method for medical help.

2.9. Start/Finish Area First Aid, Doctor: POC: Dr. Chris Gibson, DC, University of Western States, 253-838-6070 at NW Sports Rehab. BS, Kinesiology; Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC, full-body certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) Graston (Module 1) certified, and FMS/SFMA certified.Back up - POC: Steven Courtney, 206-715-4725/ Current First Responder trained professional with Port Of Seattle Law Enforcement.

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2.10 Nearest emergency hospital

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, Phone: 253-403-1000, 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405-4234, 6-7 miles from course.

Ambulance: Due to the length of the race course (double starting points and across the water), it is faster to call 911 than have ambulance standing by. First Aid supplies on-site: Standard commercial First Aid kit with Vinegar, Blankets, Cot, Chair, and Warming Car.

3.0 Roles and Requirements

3.1 Layers of Safety - There are 4 layers of safety in this plan:

Safety Layer 1. Coast Guard for shipping container sized ships

Safety Layer 2. Power Safety Boats with swimmer observer

Safety Layer 3. Two PCFD13 jet skis with aquatic rescue boards plus one Zodiac

Safety Layer 4. Lifeguards on paddleboards/kayaks and kayak volunteers

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3.2 Safety Director

The Safety Director will coordinate with Vessel Traffic Service/USCG at 2 hours prior to the swim event, and again at 1 hour prior to the swim event to verify satisfactory traffic conditions. A final check-in with VTS at 15 minutes prior to swimmers entering the water will be required, and they will have the authority to give a go/no-go/delay decision based on upcoming traffic conditions. If any large deep-draft cargo vessel or barge is required to travel across the course even with the “Notice to Mariners/NOTAM’S” in effect, a minimum of 30 minutes warning shall be provided. The race will be adjusted to support the required crossing time. For example, The race start can be delayed up to 1hr, 30 minutes by requiring the 5K swimmers to swim the 3K course only, or if for some reason there is no advance warning provided, the race course can be evacuated as defined in Section 6.2, Evacuation During The Event.

He will also coordinate with USCG via Eric Schmidt on lead safety boat to periodically check in on channel 14 to account for the number of swimmers in the water, confirm that all swimmers are accounted for upon exit as explained in Section 5.2 and will be the prime point of responsibility to initiate any emergency water evacuation as explained in Section 6.0. The Safety Director/Fire Department will jointly verify that the thresholds for weather, sea state, and visibility support the start of the swim.

3.3 Lifeguards

There is not an established required ratio of lifeguards to swimmers but we have established the requirement of two certified lifeguards/50 swimmers that will paddle alongside swimmers at intervals to provide in-water assistance, if necessary. Lifeguards will have whistles to signal jet skis/power boats for a pick up if necessary.

Lifeguards must be currently certified by recognized US certification governing body (Red Cross, etc). Required equipment includes personally supplied wetsuit and rescue tubes. Paddleboards are preferred but Race Director will try to supply as many as required. Equipment must be clearly identifiable and suitable to meet intended purpose as approved by the head lifeguard before the event begins.

Lifeguards are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are required. They are also here to (1) keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or needing rescue to a jet ski or power boat.

3.4 Kayaks/Canoes/Outriggers:

Paddlers will accompany swimmers along the course to guide swimmers to stay in the planned swimming channel and provide a short term ‘hanging’ spot if swimmers become disoriented, tired or cramped up during the swim or will provide a flotation device if required. Paddlers will have orange flags and whistles to signal jet skis for a pick up if necessary. There is not an established required ratio of kayaks to swimmers, but based on past years participation, we are expecting 12-15 volunteer kayaks in addition to 4 lifeguards based on 60 swimmers.

Kayakers with at least 1 year of open water paddling experience should come equipped for up to two and one-half hours of slow paddling. Boat must be seaworthy. Life jackets required. Bring the following if you have them:

1. Red Flag 2. Cell phone 3. Whistle 4. Xtra life jacket 5. Rescue tube/Swim Noodle

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Kayakers are here to (1) keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or needing rescue to a power boat.

3.5 Power Boats:

Outside the swim channel, power boats with a designated observer will patrol the course to provide a barrier between swimmers and boat traffic in the area. On board will be a designated swimmer spotter and a certified First Aid provider. Each boat will carry a communication radio tied to Safety Director. There is not an established required ratio of boats to swimmers, but based on past this year’s communication, we are expecting no less than 2-3 power boats and the PCFD13 Zodiac in addition to the 12-15 kayaks and 4 lifeguards.

Two to three volunteer experienced boaters are supplying their own maintained and inspected small power boats. Safety Director will insure these boats are in working order on race day. Boats will meet current USMS Open Water Guide to Operations, Part 1: Open Water Sanction Guidelines, Revision Date: January 2014, and Part 2: Open Water Safety Guidelines, Revision Date: January 2014 capable of transporting at least four people, and able to be comfortably boarded from the water without risking tipping or injury to a swimmer.

Per USMS Open Water Guide to Operations: All propeller driven watercraft used in conjunction with the sanctioned open water events must have a propeller guard(s) installed for the duration of the event with the following exceptions

1. Boats owned and operated by or on behalf of Coast Guard, police, fire and rescue, or other government agencies;

2. Boats with a swimmer monitor on board to assist the boat captain while navigating on the swim course. Swimmer monitors shall be assigned to each motorized watercraft without a propeller guard. The swimmer monitor shall insure the boat steers clear of all swimmers while the motor is running. The swimmer monitor may not swim in the event. The swim monitor may not drive the boat; however they may perform other actions that do not detract from their primary role;

3. Boats at anchor from start to finish of the sanctioned event with engine(s) off, while any swimmer is in the water; and

4. Boats with propellers fore of the rudder (e.g. inboard motors), provided:a. These boats do not run directly on the designated swim course.b. For events requiring personal escort boat, watercraft with inboard motors may be

allowed on the course provided their engines are off when any swimmer is within 20 feet of the propeller.

The power boat is one of four types of watercraft that will accompany swimmers along the race course. The others are paddleboards with lifeguards, kayaks, and jet skis. External to the race course is the US Coast Guard boat. Power boats provide these general functions during the event:

1. Course Patrol: Power boats will operate outside the designated race course and provide a physical barrier between swimmers and general boat traffic. This is the boat’s primary role; and See para 4.4

2. Swimmer Patrol: The power boat may pull slow or unfit swimmers from the course via the Jet Ski as decided by the Safety Director. See para 4.5

As a minimum the boats will be checked with the following checklist: 1. Did the boat operator provide a proof of insurance for the boat?2. Does the boat have a propeller guard?3. Does the boat have a dedicated swimmer monitor on board (required without propeller

guard)?

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4. Did the boat operator attend the pre-race meeting?5. Did the swimmer monitor attend the pre-race meeting?6. Do the swimmer monitor and boat operator both agree not to participate in the swim?7. Does the boat have life jackets for everyone on the boat plus four additional for possible

rescued swimmers?8. Is there two-way radio/ communication between the boat operators and the safety director?9. Are the boat operator and swimmer monitor aware of any and all restricted zones within the

race area?10. Does the boat have first aid supplies on board?

Race specific gear:1. Skier-down or similar flag 2. Four extra life jackets 3. Charged cell phone 4. Anchor with adequate rope for water depth up to 300 feet5. Paddle or auxiliary motor 6. Bucket and/or bilge pump 7. Adequate fuel 8. Blankets or towels for swimmers picked up during the event 9. Binoculars

Optional but strongly recommended equipment includes: 11. Fire extinguisher 12. 50-foot throw rope

3.6 Zodiac/Jet Skis

One to two Pierce County Fire Department/ Browns Point Fire and Rescue jet skis will patrol the course and the drivers will be certified First Aid providers and will wear communication radios tied to Safety Director. Any swimmer rescued by a paddle board or kayak will be removed from the race by a jet ski. The Jet ski may choose to transport the swimming to the power boat once outside the race course.

The Browns Point Fire Department is supplying their own maintained and inspected jet skis and rescue equipment. The asst. Safety Director, also part of BPFD, will insure these boat are in working order on race day.

3.7 US Coast Guard/Harbor Patrol

One minimum USCG boat will patrol the race perimeter and redirect any boat traffic away from the swim area. The US Coast Guard will be in telephone/radio communication with Race Director and/or Safety Director at all times during the event.

4.0 Race Day Operations4.1 Pre Race

COURSE SET-UP8:30-9:00AM Safety Coordinator and team inflate 5 buoys.

9:10-9:25AM Meet with PCFD13 Water Rescue, volunteer boaters at Owen Beach to place buoys (3 yellow, 1 orange)

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8:45-9:15AM Finish Line volunteers inflate and place Yellow Sighting/Finish Arch

9:45 AM Mandatory Athlete Safety Briefing VOLUNTEERS PRE-RACE Meeting Schedule

8:30AM ALL FINISH AREA VOLUNTEERS be checked in at registration and waiver signature obtained by group lead/list below, report to finish area to inflate yellow arch, Place orange Buoy in water at waist level in front of arch

9:45AM MEETING of Swim Exit, Kayaker/Lifeguard/Other Rescue personnel at swim start beach (Chris Gibson, Mark Greengo, Malcolm Neely)

VOLUNTEERS IN WATER READY TO GO9:45 AM Boaters10:00 AM Kayaker/Lifeguards on paddleboards or kayaks10:00 AM Jet skis

After the Athlete Safety Meeting briefing and national anthem, the ANNOUNCER starts race at 10:05 AM with Race Director and Safety Director “GO”.

-All lifeguards must be at Owen Beach ready to go by 10:00 a.m. Individual Safety meetings are at 9:45 a.m. conducted by Lead Lifeguard-Malcolm Neely. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:

1. Communication 2. Swimmer rescue 3. Course patrol and boat order 4. Contact information 5. Procedures for course evacuation

Be in the water by 10:00 a.m., the race starts at 10:05 a.m.

-All kayaks must be at the Les Davis Marine Park by 9:30 a.m. There are many places to put in boats: anywhere along Owen Beach. Note most of shore is lined with large logs. Be ready to climb over logs with boats. Individual Safety meeting is 9:45 a.m. conducted by Lead Kayaker- Mark Greengo. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:

1. Communication 2. Swimmer rescue 3. Course patrol and boat order 4. Contact information

5. Procedures for course evacuation

Be in the water by 10:00, the race starts at 10:05.

-All power boats with observers must be at the Marina by 9:00 a.m. to pick up/place the course buoys. The Safety meeting is 9:10 a.m. conducted by Safety Director Steve Courtney. During this 15-minute meeting we will answer last minute questions as this group will have already met with Pierce Count at a Safety meeting the previous Saturday. Topics covered by the Pierce County Water and Rescue Dept #13, Captain Rapozo are spelled out as provided in their Incident Action Plan: Incident Objectives, Command Direction, Communication Plan, Medical Plan, Map/Chart, Weather forecast/ Tides/Currents, AIS Shipping Traffic/Ferry Schedule for date, and expected water temp. Sample available upon request.

Be ready for the race start at 10:05 a.m.

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The event will run for approximately 3.0 hours. In water personnel should expect to be on duty on the race course until the completion of the swim; approx. 1:00 p.m. or later, until the last swimmer has completed the race.

4.2 Race Start

At the conclusion of all the volunteer pre-race meetings, The Power Boats with designated observers will set up course buoys and immediately position themselves West and East outside the swim channel. All certified lifeguards, kayaks, and jet skis will position themselves at the swim race along the swim course and wait for the event’s 10:05AM start. Then the lifeguard and kayak leads will evenly space their crews around the triangular course. The jet skis with Browns Point Fire personnel will roam as required.

The start for the swim events is staggered by assigned waves. The 5K Swim Defiance heat will start in the water at Owen Beach 10:05AM in the first wave. The 3K swimmers will take the 10:25 AM Tahlequah Ferry to Vashon Island and disembark and enter water for a 11:00 AM race start at the beach swimming toward two tall yellow buoys southwest of the ferry dock.

4.3 Communications

Safety Director will coordinate with Vessel Traffic Service/USCG via telephone to determine whether vessel traffic is acceptable before putting swimmers in the water. He will also coordinate with USCG via Eric Schmidt on lead safety boat to periodically check in on channel 14 to account for the number of swimmers in the water, confirm that all swimmers are accounted for upon exit as explained in Section 5.2 and will be the prime point of responsibility to initiate any emergency water evacuation as explained in Section 6.0

Radios – Each power boat will be provided with a short band VHF radio. In addition, the Race Director, and several other key support staff members will have Pierce Country provided long range radios with them at all times. The lead kayaker and head life guards will use their short band VHF radios channel TBD to communicate between each other or to contact Safety Director, US Coast Guard or Race Director.

Cell Phone – In addition, boaters are expected to have cell phones, charged and operational.

Communication with Kayaks/Lifeguards 1. Kayaks and lifeguards will have whistles and flags. We have instructed kayakers to use both

only if they need assistance with a swimmer. 2. Bring a cell phone if you have one. Race Director’s cell number is _206-651-0823_ AND her

assistant’s cell is _206-715-4725_. Safety Director can contact boats and Coast Guard by radio.

3. Flags and whistles. Use them to flag down errant swimmers. Also use them to get the attention of power boats, other kayakers and paddleboards.

4.4 Course Patrol

4.4.1 Lifeguards

Lifeguards will disperse along swim course and monitor for swimmers showing sign of distress. Follow lifeguards instruction detailed in 4.5.1 Swimmer Rescue for coordinated rescues with boats/jet skis.

Lifeguards shall return to the race start and check in with their group focal after the swimmers have all finished.

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4.4.2 Kayakers

One Kayak type boat will lead the 5K swim start to the first tall yellow cylindrical buoy near Vashon Island and should stay approximately 100-feet in front of the swimmers. Maintain that gap to the first buoy. That kayak cannot get too close to the lead swimmer else we entertain complaints that the winner was paced or escorted.

Divide remaining small boats into along the length and in the middle of the course. Some regrouping might be needed to keep kayaks where the swimmers are.

One Kayak type boat will lead the 3K swim start (between the two tall yellow cylindrical buoys) near Vashon Island toward Owen Beach and should stay approximately 100-feet in front of the swimmers

Designate one or more boats to bring up the rear. Do not bunch up along the course and do not plan on paddling next to anyone.

Please remember that you are watching all the swimmers in your area. Don’t follow one swimmer; you are not a personal escort.

In past events, some swimmers have insisted on having a kayak accompany them along the entire race course. This jeopardizes everyone’s safety.

If you see a swimmer heading off course, use your boat, paddle, flag or shouts to get their attention. Remember they cannot hear very well with their ears full of water. Do not be shy about shouting, whistling, waving at them and herding them back onto the course.

Do not follow swimmers off the course unless absolutely necessary. Swimmers will follow you, right or wrong. Be a good guidepost for swimmers, encourage errant swimmers to follow you back on course.

4.4.3 Power Boats

Again, the primary role is to prevent general boat traffic from entering the course. Power boats are the boundary between the harbor and the course.

The power boats should stay 100-feet outside of the outer edge of the course as marked by the buoys.

Keep an eye out for other boats (kayaks, harbor patrol etc.)

When ANY boat (power, sail or paddle) approaches the course, the nearest power boat should 1. intercept that craft2. explain the event3. firmly request they keep 300 yards from the race course.

Any problem whatsoever, contact US Coast Guard boat via cell phone, __________. This is their job, let them do it.

4.4.4 Zodiac/Jet Skis

Jet skis will patrol the course and assist in swimmer rescue. Whenever required, any swimmer rescued by a paddle board or kayak will be removed from the race course by a jet ski. Once outside the race course, the jet ski may transport the swimmer to a power boat or to the medical evacuation point.

4.5 Swimmer Patrol

4.5.1 Swimmer Rescue

If a swimmer is panicking or appears in trouble, signal a kayak, jet ski and/or lifeguard.

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Lifeguards are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are available.

If a lifeguard is unable to reach the swimmer, a kayaker should quickly approach the swimmer, toss a life jacket/rescue tube/flotation device. As a last resort, allow the swimmer to hold onto your boat. Use caution, a panicked swimmer can dump a kayak easily and quickly. Signal a jet ski for swimmer pickup. The PDFC13 Jet Ski is permitted to enter the swim course and is there to pick up and transport rescued swimmers to power boats. If a jet ski is not available, signal the nearest power boat that you have a swimmer that needs to be picked up, get the swimmer to the stern and tow them to the edge of the course and transfer to a power boat.

When notified of a swimmer requiring rescue, the nearest boat will move toward course edge, reverse as necessary to stop at course edge, and take engine out of gear.

When approached by a jet ski or kayak with a swimmer needing transfer, the power boat will:1. Idle engine and remain perpendicular to Jet Ski kayak or paddleboard. 2. The pilot should expect to operate at dead-slow speed, idling in and out of gear at approx. 2

mph. For outboards: Boat should come to a stop near the swimmer and turn off the engine to fully disengage the propeller while swimmers are near the boat.

3. DO NOT ENTER THE SWIM COURSE! 4. Any swimmer rescued by a paddle board, jet ski, or kayak will be removed from the race. If a

swimmer must be rescued by the power boat for any reason, the power boat will notify the Safety Director immediately thru closest cell phone/ walkie talkie via channel 1 or as instructed Day of Race. It may be necessary to fill out an incident report. Obtain swimmer name and number and general condition. Relay information to Race Director and Command Boat, also noting time and approximate location along the course.

If the swimmer needs medical attention, the power boat will evacuate the swimmer to the public pier at Pt Defiance Marina. Notify Command Boat and Race Director when swimmer has been transferred for evacuation. If swimmer is pulled from west side of the course, boat must coordinate with the lead safety boat before crossing course to public ramp at Pt Defiance Marina for extraction.

If the rescued swimmer does not need medical care (e.g. fatigue), get swimmer into the boat and comfortable. Offer a blanket and keep the swimmer on board until docked at the race finish.

When the rescue is complete, notify Safety Director that the rescue has concluded and that the boat has returned to position. Note that swimmer has withdrawn; restate swimmer’s name, number and condition, time of rescue.

If required by Race Director, fill out incident report at conclusion of race.

4.5.2 Tired swimmers

A rest is different than needing help. Ask the swimmer if they need a rest or need help.

Allow swimmers to hang onto the bow (preferably) or stern, but not the sides if a short rest is needed. If you find yourself doing this more than a couple times for the same individual, they probably need to be pulled.

4.5.3 Pulling a swimmer

When to pull a swimmer1. If a swimmer demands you paddle next to them. 2. If a swimmer is incapable of staying on course and you are spending all of your time

corralling one individual

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3. A power boat will be on hand to oversee stragglers and determine if the last swimmer needs to be pulled.

4. Use your discretion but if the swimmer exhibits at least two of the hypothermia symptoms listed below; they must be pulled from the race for their own safety.

Symptoms of hypothermia:a. Uncontrollable shiveringb. Disorientationc. Irrational behavior (The supporter says go left and the swimmer goes right)d. Blue lips (very obvious)e. Inability to concentrate or respond to simple requests or questions (“What day is it

today?)f. Slurred or uncoordinated speechg. Ashen or gray skin colorh. Lucidity tests (“What town do you live in?” “How many fingers am I holding up?”, etc.)

5. Boats will pull swimmers from the race to control the overall duration and safety of the event:

6. Any 5K swimmer that does not reach the midway point 1hour 20 minutes after start will be pulled from the race.

7. Any 3K swimmer that does not reach the midway point by 1 hour after start will be pulled from the race.

8. Any swimmer expected to finish significantly later than 1:00 PM (w/ 10:05AM and 11:00AM on time Start) race end will also be pulled.

Procedure for pulling swimmers

Procedure for pulling swimmers should generally follow that for non-medical emergencies. Swimmers pulled from the race will remain with the pick-up boat (unless needing immediate medical attention) until the end of the race. Notify the Safety Director of pulled swimmer noting swimmer’s name and number and approximate time.

1. Clearly explain your decision. Tell, don’t ask. And don’t argue. 2. Direct the swimmer to follow you outside of the course to the nearest power boat. 3. When swimmer is on the boat, move back to your place on the edge of the course.

4.5.4 Swimmers abandoning the course:

If a boater sees a swimmer heading toward shore and clearly abandoning the race, notify the Safety Director of the location and time. Attempt to get the swimmer’s name and number. If unable to obtain name and number, direct the nearest kayak to attempt to do so. Notify safety and Race Director if swimmer’s ID unknown.

4.6 Race Finish

The finish of the race will require exiting the water and crossing a timing mat very near the water’s edge on the beach. Once the race chip crosses the mat, the competitors will have completing the race.

This exit will be set up to optimize safety for swimmers exiting the water (e.g. brightly colored safety cones to mark any hazards, volunteers to assist the swimmers as required to safely exit once they stand up, indoor/outdoor carpet runners and/or towels to cushion swimmers’ bare feet against barnacles, rocks, protrusions, etc.)

Volunteers will also manually record the number of each finisher. Manual and electronic finisher lists will be cross-checked to assure a complete count.

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Since there are no shower facilities provided at this beach by Metro Parks, race management will provide jugs of fresh water for rinsing.

5.0 Swimmer TrackingAt Check-in/registration, each swimmer will be given a Popsicle stick and an electronic ankle chip with their race number.

Before the start of every swim event, the swimmers affix the chip to their ankle and will turn over their popsicle stick to a designated race volunteer before entering the water. These numbers will be recorded and confirmed upon exit at the swim finish.

Once exiting the swim, the swimmer will be required to cross a timing mat which will also track competitors as completing the race. Volunteers will also manually take the number of each finisher. Manual and electronic finisher lists will be cross-checked to assure a complete count.

If the body and race number counts do not match. The City of Tacoma Police and Fire will be immediately alerted. Any race assets will also be requested to volunteer, if able.

6.0 Cancellation Plan Cancellation triggers are conditions that would make it unsafe to proceed with the swim, and may either be present at the start of the swim or have a high probability of developing during the swim. Cancellation triggers include:

Visibility: less than 2 miles (distance of course, required since course is being navigated visually, not with instruments or guides). Factors may include fog, rain, smoke, or haze.

Rain: Hard rain that affects course visibility, makes sighting/navigation difficult for swimmers, or affects ability of crew to monitor swimmers.

Wind: Strong wind, advisably Force 5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale), or wind that makes sighting/navigation difficult for swimmers, or affects ability of crew to monitor swimmers.

Traffic: Swimmers will be pulled from water if immediate danger from commercial shipping or private boating is present. Swimmers may resume swimming after hazard is removed.

Other: Severe weather, such as lightning; Coast Guard determination of unsafe conditions; race director or safety director determination of unsafe conditions. Thunderstorm activity in the area will be tracked and potential time of arrival at the race site will be monitored to determine if it is safe to start the race or if the course must be evacuated. Time estimates for completion of course evacuation (para 6.2) will be a prime consideration in making this decision.

6.1 Prior to the event start

The Safety Director is responsible for determining event cancellation after consultation with the Race Director, Fire Department Water Rescue and U.S. Coast Guard. The Race Director is responsible for announcing the event cancellation. If Owens Beach is closed, the race will be cancelled. No other finish area will be considered and all entrants will have been accounted for, if cancellation occurs.

Check in the athletes and hand out any caps and shirts.

Announce plans for rescheduling if possible.

If cancellation is due to something completely beyond the control of the event hosts (i.e. weather), any refund will be calculated from any funds saved with cancellation.

If the cancellation is a result of the host’s organizing (or lack of), a reasonable refund, or credit toward the next race will be made.

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6.2 During the event

The Safety Director is responsible for determining event cancellation after consultation with the Race Director, PCFD13 Water Rescue Captain and U.S. Coast Guard. The Race Director is responsible for announcing the event cancellation. Owens Beach is a large stretch of Beach. If the initial finishing area becomes unusable, the Race/Safety directors may choose to move it to another area along the beach but still within the Metro Parks designated Owens Beach area. There will be no other finish beach considered.

If the race is cancelled after it starts, the Safety/Race Directors will immediately notify U.S. Coast Guard, PCFD13 staff and Power Boat pilots, lead kayak and lead lifeguard by radio (or cell phone) that the event has been canceled and finish area staff and all boats will issue five x 1 second blasts (=danger) from air horn until all swimmers and volunteer staff are notified. This may be repeated several times to be sure all water safety crew volunteers are informed.

Jet Skis shall notify lifeguards and kayakers immediately. Kayaks and lifeguards shall inform swimmers of cancellation and where to go. Swimmers farthest from shore will be picked up by roving power boats first. Other swimmers by either shore will be stopped and asked to swim to the closest shore as quickly and safely as possible. Supplies will be staged at Vashon Island beach for stranded swimmers to say warm/fed until the Ferry arrives to take them back to Pt. Defiance. From there, they will be asked to walk the 1K back to the race start unless carpools can be quickly arranged for transportation. It is estimated that it will take 40 minutes to complete course evacuation.

7.0 Insurance Certificate Information A request for United States Masters Swimming (USMS) sanctioning for the open water swim has been submitted as well as the pending Metro Parks application approval. United States Track Federation (USATF) insurance will cover the run portion of the Swim Defiance event. Upon approval from each respective governing body, insurance certificates will be issued.

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8.0 Handouts and Briefings

8.1 SWIMMER RESPONSIBILITIES HANDOUT reviewed at Safety BriefingThe event’s success requires the swimmers accept certain responsibilities. In addition to recognizing the risk inherent to exercise in cold water (e.g., heart attack, hypothermia, drowning), every participant is expected to abide by the following:

No guide is available. The kayaks, boats and paddleboards are there for the safety of the group, not as individual escorts or safety marshals. Expect to follow the course with the help of adjacent swimmers and buoys, not with the personal aid of the boaters.

Do not swim in the proximity of the power boats, THEY ARE OFF COURSE.

Do keep an eye out for your fellow swimmers. Help them stay on course. If you see another swimmer clearly in distress, summon a kayak or paddleboard and stay in contact with the swimmer.

If you decide to abandon the event midway, DO NOT swim to the closest shore. Rather, notify a kayak and they will escort you to a power boat.

If you are tired or injured and need assistance, summon help from a kayak or paddleboard; this is why they are here.

When a board or boat approaches, clearly explain the nature of your problem. Be accurate when assessing your condition or circumstance. Don’t sugar coat it, don’t cry wolf.

If you are injured or have a medical emergency, enlist the help of a paddleboard. They are piloted by lifeguards with first aid and lifesaving training. If unable to do so, explain your situation to the nearest kayak or swimmer. If urgent, BE VERY EXPLICIT.

If you need a rest or simply want a break, look for a kayak.

Listen to whatever direction or instructions are provided by kayak, paddleboard or boat operators.

If injured or needing medical attention, you will be transported to a Harbor Patrol boat. If uninjured but withdrawing from the race, a kayak will escort or transport you to one of the power boats.

If you are showing signs of distress, are obviously unable to follow the course, or will clearly finish outside of the 2 hours after 3K start race time limit, you will be pulled from the event.

If you are pulled, do not argue with boat, kayak or board operator. They are looking after the safety of all the swimmers, not one.

You will either be picked up directly by a power boat, or transported or escorted by a kayak or paddleboard as appropriate.

If transported or escorted to a power boat or harbor patrol, you will remain on the boat until that boat is authorized to return to the finish area. When you return to the finish area, you must check in with the Safety Director, Race Director or Finish Line crew and return your electronic time chip. If you start the race but do not check in at the finish, we will conclude you are still on course. If the race is over and your time chip has not been returned, we will assume the worst.

If injured but able to remain at the finish area, notify the Race Director. You will be expected to complete an incident report describing the nature of your accident, illness or condition.

REPEATED FIVE SHORT BLASTS from the AIR horn indicates an evacuation is in progress. Please proceed to the closest shore quickly and safely unless picked up by a power boat. Race management will be sure to provide blankets, food etc if ending up on Vashon Island.

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8.2 Kayaker/Lifeguard Briefing1. Communication Kayaks and lifeguards will have whistles and flags. Use both only if they need assistance with a swimmer. Use them to flag down errant swimmers, or to get the attention of power boats, other kayakers and paddleboards. Bring a cell phone in a Ziploc bag if you have one. Race Director’s cell number is _206-651-0823_ AND her assistant’s cell is _206-715-4725_. Safety Director can contact boats and Coast Guard by radio. 2. Swimmer rescue

If a swimmer is panicking or appears in trouble, signal a kayak, jet ski and/or lifeguard.

Lifeguards are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are available.

If a lifeguard is unable to reach the swimmer, a kayaker should quickly approach the swimmer, toss a life jacket/rescue tube/flotation device. As a last resort, allow the swimmer to hold onto your boat. Use caution, a panicked swimmer can dump a kayak easily and quickly. Signal a jet ski for swimmer pickup. The PDFC13 Jet Ski is permitted to enter the swim course and is there to pick up and transport rescued swimmers to power boats. If a jet ski is not available, signal the nearest power boat that you have a swimmer that needs to be picked up, get the swimmer to the stern and tow them to the edge of the course and transfer to a power boat.

When notified of a swimmer requiring rescue, the nearest boat will move toward course edge, reverse as necessary to stop at course edge, and take engine out of gear.

When approached by a jet ski or kayak with a swimmer needing transfer, the power boat will:-Idle engine and remain perpendicular to Jet Ski kayak or paddleboard. -The pilot should expect to operate at dead-slow speed, idling in and out of gear at approx. 2 mph. For outboards: Boat should come to a stop near the swimmer and turn off the engine to fully disengage the propeller while swimmers are near the boat.-DO NOT ENTER THE SWIM COURSE! -Any swimmer rescued by a paddle board, jet ski, or kayak will be removed from the race. If a swimmer must be rescued by the power boat for any reason, the power boat will notify the Safety Director immediately thru closest cell phone/ walkie talkie via channel 1 or as instructed Day of Race. It may be necessary to fill out an incident report. Obtain swimmer name and number and general condition. Relay information to Race Director and Command Boat, also noting time and approximate location along the course.

If the swimmer needs medical attention, the power boat will evacuate the swimmer to the public pier at Pt Defiance Marina. Notify Command Boat and Race Director when swimmer has been transferred for evacuation. If swimmer is pulled from west side of the course, boat must coordinate with the lead safety boat before crossing course to public ramp at Pt Defiance Marina for extraction.

If the rescued swimmer does not need medical care (e.g. fatigue), get swimmer into the boat and comfortable. Offer a blanket and keep the swimmer on board until docked at the race finish.

When the rescue is complete, notify Safety Director that the rescue has concluded and that the boat has returned to position. Note that swimmer has withdrawn; restate swimmer’s name, number and condition, time of rescue.

If required by Race Director, fill out incident report at conclusion of race. Tired swimmers-A rest is different than needing help. Ask the swimmer if they need a rest or need help. Allow swimmers to hang onto the bow (preferably) or stern, but not the sides if a short rest is needed. If you find yourself doing this more than a couple times for the same individual, they probably need to be pulled.

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Pulling a swimmer - Pull a swimmer if a swimmer demands you paddle next to them; if a swimmer is incapable of staying on course and you are spending all of your time corralling one individual; a power boat will be on hand to oversee stragglers and determine if the last swimmer needs to be pulled.Use your discretion; Boats will pull swimmers from the race to control the overall duration and safety of the event. -Any 5K swimmer that does not reach the midway point 1 hour, 30 minutes after start will be pulled from the race. - Any 3K swimmer that does not reach the midway point by 1 hour after start will be pulled from the race. - Any swimmer expected to finish significantly later than 1:00 PM (w/ 10:05AM for 5K and 11:00AM for 3K race start times) race cut off will also be pulled. Procedure for pulling swimmers - Procedure for pulling swimmers should generally follow that for non-medical emergencies. Swimmers pulled from the race will remain with the pick-up boat until the end of the race. Notify the Safety Director of pulled swimmer noting swimmer’s name and number and approximate time. -Clearly explain your decision. Tell, don’t ask. And don’t argue. -Direct the swimmer to follow you outside of the course to the nearest power boat. -When swimmer is on the boat, move back to your place on the edge of the course. Swimmers abandoning the course - If a kayak/lifeguard sees a swimmer heading toward shore and clearly abandoning the race, notify the Safety Director of the location and time. Attempt to get the swimmer’s name and number. If unable to obtain name and number, direct the nearest kayak to attempt to do so. Notify Safety and Race Director if swimmer’s ID is unknown.

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8.0 COURSE MAPS

5K Swim GPS coordinates

3K Swim Start Details

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SWIMMER RESPONSIBILITIES HANDOUTThe event’s success requires the swimmers accept certain responsibilities. In addition to recognizing the risk inherent to exercise in cold water (e.g., heart attack, hypothermia, drowning), every participant is expected to abide by the following:

No guide is available. The kayaks, boats and paddleboards are there for the safety of the group, not as individual escorts or safety marshals. Expect to follow the course with the help of adjacent swimmers and buoys, not with the personal aid of the boaters.

Do not swim in the proximity of the power boats, THEY ARE OFF COURSE. Do keep an eye out for your fellow swimmers. Help them stay on course. If you see another

swimmer clearly in distress, summon a kayak or paddleboard and stay in contact with the swimmer.

If you decide to abandon the event midway, DO NOT swim to the closest shore. Rather, notify a kayak and they will escort you to a power boat.

If you are tired or injured and need assistance, summon help from a kayak or paddleboard; this is why they are here.

o When a board or boat approaches, clearly explain the nature of your problem. Be accurate when assessing your condition or circumstance. Don’t sugar coat it, don’t cry wolf. o If you are injured or have a medical emergency, enlist the help of a paddleboard. They are piloted by lifeguards with first aid and lifesaving training. If unable to do so, explain your situation to the nearest kayak or swimmer. If urgent, BE VERY EXPLICIT. o If you need a rest or simply want a break, look for a kayak. o Listen to whatever direction or instructions are provided by kayak, paddleboard or boat operators. o If injured or needing medical attention, you will be transported to a Harbor Patrol boat. If uninjured but withdrawing from the race, a kayak will escort or transport you to one of the power boats. If you are showing signs of distress, are obviously unable to follow the course, or will clearly finish outside of the 2 hours after 3K start race time limit, you will be pulled from the event. o If you are pulled, do not argue with boat, kayak or board operator. They are looking after the safety of all the swimmers, not one. o You will either be picked up directly by a power boat, or transported or escorted by a kayak or paddleboard as appropriate. If transported or escorted to a power boat or harbor patrol, you will remain on the boat until that boat is authorized to return to the finish area. When you return to the finish area, you must check in with the Safety Director, Race Director or Finish Line crew and return your electronic time chip. If you start the race but do not check in at the finish, we will conclude you are still on course. If the race is over and your time chip has not been returned, we will assume the worst. If injured but able to remain at the finish area, notify the Race Director. You will be expected to complete an incident report describing the nature of your accident, illness or condition.

REPEATED FIVE SHORT BLASTS from the AIR horn indicates an evacuation is in progress. Please proceed to the closest shore quickly and safely unless picked up by a motor boat. Race management will be sure to provide blankets, food, etc if ending up on Vashon Island.

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Documents

EVENT DESCRIPTION · Web viewBoats at anchor from start to finish of the sanctioned event with engine(s) off, while any swimmer is in the water; and Boats with propellers fore of