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.
• There are several distances starting from a boat on the open sea and finishing at Pirita public beach:

1. People's distance – 500 m
2. People’s distance – 1 km
3. Competition distance – 1.9 km
4. Competition distance – 3,8 km

• For the first time, the Open Water Estonia starts will take place by jumping off the boat into the sea. You can enter the water from the swimming platform of the boat (almost flush with the water surface). The boat will pick up the competitors from the immediate vicinity of the Competition Centre and the finish line – the mouth of the Pirita river (behind the Pirita surf club, by the rows of benches). Access to the ship is included in the entry fee.

THE COMPETITION CENTRE AND START

• The Competition Centre and the distribution of starting materials and equipment is located behind the Pirita Surf Club. The Competition Centre is open from 10.00 to 13.00.
• We ask all competitors to be present before 11.30 to get familiar with the rules and documents. Formal briefing at 12.00, followed by equipment checks etc.
• You can get your starting materials by presenting an identity document.
• The boat departs at 13.00 from the mouth of the Pirita river: the first start is 500 m from the beach, the second start 1 km from the beach, the third start 1,9 km from the beach and the fourth start 3,8 km from the beach. The participants enter by jumping off the boat into the water. You can enter the water either from the swimming platform of the boat (almost flush with the water surface) or from the stern of the boat at a height of 3 metres. An acoustic signal is used to signal the start.
• We ask the fastest competitors to settle in the first part of the boat, and those completing the challenge calmly towards the back.
• Be polite at the start and attentive to other participants when jumping into the water. Participants must be aware of the possibility of collisions in the water after the start due to carelessness. Each participant/competitor is responsible for their own behaviour in the water, towards themselves and other participants.
• The organiser recommends using a wetsuit to cross the Tallinn Bay (on the race courses), but you can also participate without one.
• The way of swimming is free – you have 3 hours to reach the finish, starting from the last, fourth, start.
• 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 for all distances combined is 180.

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) and 14 years and older (with parental consent) in the people's events.
• 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 (for calling the rescue team).
• Personal escort boats can be sent to the water from the Pirita pier (mooring also at the pier, not on the beach).
• 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 from the information desk.
• 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).

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.

VIKING LINE PRIZE (except virtual swimmers)

• Viking Line will reward participants with a cruise for 1-4 passengers from Helsinki to Stockholm and back in a standard cabin.

Passenger fee: Sun-Thu €5 / passenger, Fri-Sat €8 / passenger. Children aged 0 to 11 years travel free of charge with their parents. Seaside Standard or Inside Standard cabin included in the price. Other cabin categories are available at extra cost. A fuel surcharge of €8 per passenger will be added to the price. The gift card is valid until 23.12.2023 (except peak season from 30.6. to 6.8.2023). Before the trip: Please write the booking number on the card and present it to the Viking Line check in cashier. The age limit for a Stockholm Cruise is 20 years.

• Viking Line will reward the participant with a trip for two from Tallinn to Helsinki and back.

Passenger fee €6 per passenger per way; children up to 5 years travel free of charge with parents. A fuel surcharge of €1.90 per passenger per way will be added to the price. The gift card is valid until 31.12.2023 (except peak season from 30.6. to 6.8.2023). Before the trip: Please write your booking number on the card and present it to the Viking Line cashier at Terminal A of Tallinn Passenger Port. Departure and arrival can take place on different days.

REWARDING THE FASTEST

• The top three finishers in the women's and men's overall standings will be rewarded with trophies at the race distances (1.9 km and 3.8 km).

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 finish gate.
• 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 toilets and changing booths at Pirita beach area – there will also be organiser tents at the finish for changing.