Women Swimmin' for Hospicare is a community swim (not a race!) that raises money to support the mission of Hospicare & Palliative Care Services. The safety of all participants, volunteers, staff and guests is of utmost importance! This is a large event with many participants of varying ages and abilities, so it is important for everyone to be aware of the roles each person plays, and other information or procedures set up to ensure the safety of everyone present.
Please read the WS Safety Manual (stay-tuned for the link) for Swimmers and Paddlers to understand how we all work together to make sure everyone has a fun and very safe swim. Information in the Manual includes:
There will be no “rain date”. If there is uncertainty about lake conditions due to weather (a threat of a storm, rough water, etc.) or environmental concerns (the presence of harmful algae blooms (HABs), air quality, etc.) the Safety Team will assess the situation the morning of the swim and post updates on the Women Swimmin' Facebook page and this website's homepage.
The swim course is marked by a single line of buoys along the middle of the course. Line Safety Paddlers (LSP) and the Kayak Safety Team (KST) are deployed in roving positions along the sides of the course. They’re available to assist swimmers and other paddlers as needed and to help swimmers and Escort Paddlers stay on course for IYC.
Swimmers enter the water via a ramp with handrails on both sides, pushing off into approximately waist-deep water. The Swimming Coordinator on shore will let each pod know when to enter the water. There is also an Escort Wrangler in a kayak near the entry point who will connect the swimmers to their assigned Escort Paddlers.
Some Swimmers want to stay with an Escort Paddler for the entire way across the lake. Other Swimmers prefer to head out at their own pace. Swimmers should let their Escort Paddlers know at the beginning what their preference is.
Each Swimmer should feel free to swim at her own pace. More experienced or faster Swimmers will pass other Swimmers. Pods of Swimmers who started out together will naturally drift apart as they make their way to the IYC. We expect this and have people and procedures in place to keep everyone safe. Each Swimmer’s job is to stay the course at her own pace. The Escort Paddler’s job is to stay close enough to maintain contact with Swimmers, while giving them space. All Swimmers will wear buoys and timing chips - the buoy will act as a visual aid for identifying Swimmers in the water and timing chips will identify Swimmers who have exited the water.
Please review the WS Safety Manual for Swimmers and Paddlers (stay tuned for safety manual) to understand how Paddlers and Swimmers work together for everyone's safety, including information about:
Swimmers must exit the lake at the south dock. Climb one of the two ladders onto the dock. If you loose your timing chip during the swim, make sure the check-out volunteers have checked your name off the list of Swimmers so we know you've safely finished your swim.
If you're an Escort Paddler who is also a Super Paddler, return to the East shore for your next pod assignment. All other escort paddlers are encouraged to join the LSP & KST lining the course. When you've finished your assigned duties, you should exit at the launch station at the Ithaca Yacht Club (where you put your boat in the water in the morning).