Rules and Regulations

PURPOSE and DISTANCE

• The aim varies for each participant, from challenging themselves, preparing for the Iron Man competition, training hard, to seeking unique experiences and acquiring achievements.
• The distance from Käsmu harbour to Võsu lifeguard station is 3500 m.

THE COMPETITION CENTRE AND START

• The Competition Centre and the distribution of starting materials and equipment is located in Käsmu Majaka harbour (near the shop). The Competition Centre is open from 9: 00 to 12: 00
• We ask all competitors to be present before 10.30 to get familiar with the rules and documents. Formal briefing at 11.00, followed by equipment checks etc.
• You can get your starting materials by presenting an identity document.
• Start at 12.00 from Käsmu harbour: participants start from the water at the sound signal. We ask you to be in the water and choose your starting point at least 5 minutes before the start. A MASS START IS GIVEN!
• We ask the fastest competitors to settle in the first part of the start area, and those completing the challenge calmly towards the back (closer to the beach).
• Be polite and attentive to other participants at the start. For a faster start, choose a more suitable position in the water – this avoids injuries and scuffles.
• The organiser recommends the use of a wetsuit to cross Käsmu Bay, but you can also participate without one.
• Swimming style is free – you have 2 h 30 min to reach the finish.
• At the finish, the timer closes under the finish gate when crossing the timing mats – the timer also runs when exiting the water until you pass the finish gate.
• The participant confirms that they have the necessary swimming skills and sufficient physical fitness to complete the course – all participants are required to read and sign the “Declaration of health status/acceptance of rules and acceptance of dangers and risks” before the start. The form will be given on the spot, before the start materials are handed out.

SAFETY

• The safety of participants is the first priority of the organiser; therefore, the organiser reserves the right to postpone or cancel the competition in case of unsuitable weather conditions. The relevant decisions shall be taken by the management committee.
• The start may be postponed within the same day or to another day. Any postponement or cancellation of an event shall be dealt with under the terms of Force Majeure. In the event of postponement, no compensation will be granted to the participant. In the event of a cancellation, 50% of the participation fee will be refunded to the participant, at the latest within 2 weeks of the event.
• In case of cyanobacteria or other pollution, the management committee shall decide on the possibility of a start in consultation with the representatives of the Health Board. In the case of cyanobacteria or similar pollution, the situation will also be treated in accordance with Force Majeure conditions.
• All decisions regarding postponement or cancellation of the event will be made as soon as possible, but no later than 1 hour before the planned start.
• For safety reasons, the maximum number of participants is 200. First a group of 100 participants will be created, and in case of higher demand, it is possible (without obligation for the organiser) to allow other participants to register (up to an additional 100 people).

MOVEMENT IN WATER

• Participation is open to swimmers aged 18 years and older (except for swimmers licensed by the Estonian Swimming Federation and participants with written parental consent)
• Goggles, mask, hat, socks are allowed. Flippers, gloves and other assistive devices are prohibited. Headphones/earplugs are prohibited.
• A personal escort boat (kayak, paddleboat, etc.) is allowed upon registration and instruction at the Competition Centre. The participant is allowed to receive assistance (food, drink) from the escort boat during the distance and to rest while holding on to the boat, but it is forbidden to use the accompanying boat to gain an advantage when moving on. Motorised craft as escort boats are not allowed. The escort(s) is (are) required to wear a lifejacket and to have a working whistle to summon the rescue team (to be checked at the briefing).
• Personal escort boats can be sent to the water from the Käsmu pier (a few hundred meters from the start). You have to turn to Käsmu pier from Käsmu bus stop. Escort boats will be able to moor on the Võsu side of the harbour – not in the finish area.
• It is the responsibility of the escort boat staff to ensure the safety of the swimmers and not to interfere with the participants' completion of the distance! Be close to the swimming path, not between the swimmers.
• The escort boat will receive a souvenir bag.
• The organiser reserves the right at any time to remove a participant from the water or guide the escorting boats to shore for safety reasons or for breaking the rules.

NB! In case of violation of the rules, the participant will not be allowed to start or the participant will be disqualified (in case of violation on the track) at the finish (no medal will be issued and no result will be recorded).

ENTRY FEE: €39 (until 31.12.22); €49 (until 30.05.23); €59 (until 27.07.23)

An environmental fee (€0.5) and an online shop service fee (€0.5) per participant will be added. Participation fees include VAT. Limited number of places.

The entry fee includes

• All technical arrangements of the competition, including instructions, electronic timing, safety boats, marine rescue, medical assistance, free luggage storage, etc.
• Use of floating buoy and post-finish service.
• All competitors will be awarded with a unique and heavy medal, an event T-shirt (Finisher T), a framed finisher's certificate and an e-diploma.
• Each registered boat will be thanked with a goody bag.
• High quality photos and video summary of the event.
• A special experience and a great achievement.

AWARDS CEREMONY AND THE LÄÄNE-VIRUMAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

• All finishers will receive a unique and heavy medal, event T-shirt, framed graduate certificate and e-diploma
• Viking Line will reward the participant with a round trip Tallinn – Helsinki for 1-4 passengers with a cabin for crossing. Passenger fee from €2 per passenger per way. B-cabin is included in the price, A-cabin for an additional €10. A fuel surcharge of €1.90 per passenger per way will be added to the price. The one-time promo code for booking is on the gift card. The gift card is valid until 31.12.2023. Before the trip: when booking with a one-time promo code, you can check in automatically and do not need to present the gift card. Departure and arrival can take place on different days.
• In the framework of the competition the champions of Lääne-Viru County in open water swimming will be determined in the following categories: juniors – young men/young women; men/women; seniors – women/men; general category women/men.

HOW TO ACT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

• Each participant is obliged to carry a personal buoy when completing the distance.
• The buoy is equipped with a whistle. The buoy is not a lifesaving device, but it can help to mitigate risks.
• If you spot someone in distress in the water, report it to the lifeguard teams who will accompany the swimmers – you can do this by resting on the buoy, blowing the whistle and raising your hand.
• If you get tired, have cramps or something – you can rest on the buoy. Forward movement on the buoy is prohibited. If you feel there is a serious obstruction or health hazard – blow the whistle and raise your hand until the rescue team reaches you. DISCONTINUING, CALLING FOR HELP IS NOT A SHAME! You are strong and powerful just for coming to the start.
• In unforeseen circumstances, keep calm and avoid panic. Use the buoy, whistle, raise your hand and wait for help. At a distance there are several sea vessels with lifeguard capabilities.
• Medical first aid will be provided by the organiser at the finish.

AFTER THE FINISH

• The finish marker is the red arch/gate on the beach (lifeguard station).
• Cross the finish gate and proceed calmly in the direction indicated by the referees – follow the instructions.
• Next: buoy handover, electronic chip handover, medal issuance, finisher's bag, photo and T-shirt issuance (Information desk).
• Participants will be able to use the outdoor toilet and changing booths (100 m) at Võsu beach area – there will also be organiser's tents at the finish for changing.
• Packages/bags handed in at the start can be picked up at the finish (information desk).

FREE SHUTTLE BUS FROM VÕSU TO KÄSMU AND PARKING

• At the start (Käsmu), participants are obliged to park in the desigated parking area (ca 600 m from the start) – follow the instructions given by the organisers and the signs.
• The organiser will provide free bus service from Võsu to Käsmu at 10.00 (to the start) and 15.00 (after the finish). The bus departs from the Võsu Harbour parking (approx. 600 m from the finish).
• Since Võsu is hosting a major music festival (Rannafestival), there is no way in entering Võsu by car - car parking is at Võsu Harbour for the participants (600 m from finish). A free parking area has been designated for participants in Käsmu – it is forbidden to park near the Käsmu shop.