safety information

35th Citizens Bank / Save The Bay Swim
safety information
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This packet contains information you need to know about participating in the 35th Annual Save The Bay
Swim. The first two pages pertain to safety, and must be read thoroughly!
SWIM: Saturday,
July 23, 2011
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
CHECK-IN
All swimmers and kayakers MUST check in at the start in Newport ANd check out at the finish in
Jamestown. Once you check in, you will be added to the count given to the Coast Guard. If for any
reason, you do not get in the water or decide to get out before finishing, you MUST notify
a Save The Bay staff member.
Swimmers who have not checked in on the morning of the Swim will not be permitted to enter the
water. Unregistered swimmers will be removed from the water immediately, and may be prosecuted.
The Coast Guard requires that we maintain an accurate count of swimmers and kayakers in the water.
Unregistered swimmers endanger other swimmers and cause errors in our accounting system. If you're
not registered, don't swim.
THE COURSE
The Swim course runs roughly parallel to the Newport Bridge. The finish in Jamestown is around Taylor
Point in Potter Cove. Use the two green Coast Guard navigation buoys to guide you out of the start.
Swimmers with Kayakers should swim toward the green can buoy and meet up with your kayaker there.
Swim toward Taylor Point. Taylor Point in Jamestown is marked with orange netting, reflective sheets and a
large 16-foot balloon. As you approach the Jamestown side, you will pass to the right (or north) of Taylor
Point. After you round the point, you will see the finish area. Be aware that the Bay bottom at the finish
line is soft with rocks and holes, so please walk carefully.
THE FINISH
The finish is marked by two boats, one draped in orange netting. There will be two large red balloons in
the air that are attached to each boat. Swim between the two boats.
Once you cross the finish line, you will be given a numbered position marker from staff. Be sure to
hand this marker to the “Pink Ladies” near the check-out area when you reach the shore.
All swimmers MUST turn in their position markers when they get to the finish site at
Potter Cove in Jamestown. This is our only way of knowing that you have arrived safely!
SAVE THE BAY
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, RI 02905
phone: 401-272-3540
fax: 401-273-7153
www.savebay.org/swim
HYPOTHERMIA
To decrease the risk of hypothermia, we strongly advise swimmers to wear a wetsuit. If you do not have
a wetsuit, you can obtain one through NeoSport Wetsuits at ask@neosportusa.com.
We also recommend that swimmers wear two swim caps during the Swim. Swim caps are provided for
every swimmer. One cap will be white and the other will be colored according to the assigned Group you
are swimming in. The COlOred SWIM CAP MUST Be WOrN ON TOP in order to identify you with
the Group you are in. If you have a latex allergy, please contact Gretchen at 401-272-3540, x140.
We also recommend abstaining from alcohol a few days before the Swim.
35th Citizens Bank / Save The Bay Swim
safety information
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JELLYFISH PRECAUTIONS
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
You should be aware that lion’s mane jellyfish occur in Narragansett Bay at this time of year. Following are
some preventative measures we recommed, particularly if you have a known sensitivity to jellyfish stings:
• Wear a wetsuit.
• Wear goggles.
• Wear booties and gloves to cover as much of your body as possible.
Should you be stung by a jellyfish, dO NOT flush the infected area with fresh water, as this will add to the
irritation, and dO NOT rub the infected area. Medical assistance will be present at the Jamestown finish
area for those in need.
SAFETY BOATS
For your safety, Coast Guard boats and other official safety boats will surround the course. Safety kayakers
will escort the field of swimmers across the Bay. They have extra life jackets and will watch for swimmers
in distress. however, once you are in the water, use your best judgment. You are responsible for yourself.
You will have two hours to complete the Swim. Swimmers: if you are in distress, turn onto your back and
wave. dO NOT attempt to swim back to shore. Signal for help and a kayaker will come to you. If you
become separated from your kayaker, stay on course and wave if you need help.
KAYAKERS
Numbered vests will be given to all kayakers at registration. Vests must be worn on the water.
Your job is to keep your eyes on your swimmer at all times. If your swimmer is in distress, throw a life
jacket to the swimmer and wave your paddle for attention — DO NOT pull your swimmer
into your kayak. If they need to hold on, have them hold the bow or the stern to avoid
capsizing. If you get separated from your swimmer, let a safety boat know, so we may assist you.
When you and your swimmer reach the finish, kayakers will exit to the RIGHT of the finish line boat, in the
designated area. here, kayakers will turn in their vest in to the designated kayaker accounting volunteer or
staff member.
SAVE THE BAY
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, RI 02905
phone: 401-272-3540
fax: 401-273-7153
www.savebay.org/swim
You can meet up with your swimmer at the celebration tent in Jamestown. do not attempt to kayak back
to Newport, as the Coast Guard safety zone will not be activated. There will be free shuttle service to
transport participants and attendees back to Newport. Kayaks cannot be accomodated on shuttles —
please make other arrangements ahead of time.
If there IS an eMergency In the Water, the Coast Guard will communicate with our safety team
and with you. Please pay attention to all official safety boats. If there is an emergency, you must cooperate
with on-the-water safety squad.
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general information
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PARKING
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
In order to gain access to the parking facilities at the Naval Station Newport’s property, you are required
to display the enclosed parking pass on the dashboard of your car. You also must have your photo Id
available when you approach Gate 1 of the Naval Station Newport.
You MUST bring the parking pass AND a photo ID with you.
due to increased security, a back up at the entrance gate may occur. In addition, the parking lots closest to
the Swim starting site are reserved for swimmers with kayaks. We advISe that you pleaSe plan
accordIngly and arrIve early. remember, registration begins at 6:00 a.m. There will be approximately 450 swimmers and 300 kayakers registering for this event.
PARTICIPANT CHECK-IN (Swimmers and Kayakers)
*Check-in for all Swim participants is from 6:00 - 7:15 a.m. Arrive at the Naval Station in
Newport with plenty of time to unload your gear, park your car and check in. Kayakers need to have their
kayaks inspected before they check in, so it is highly recommended that you arrive early. lATe CheCK-INS
WIll NOT Be ACCePTed.
• Swimmers with Kayakers (groups 1, 2 & 3) Swimmers and their kayakers must check in together.
Swimmers participating with a kayaker cannot check in until their safety kayak is approved.
• Individual Swimmers Individual swimmers (without an accompanying kayak) will check in at a
separate table.
• note to Swimmers using accessories: Any swim equipment that you will be using (i.e. fins, paddles,
kickboards, pull buoys, snorkels, etc.) must be presented at the registration area and will be subject
to inspection. Save The Bay reserves the right to refuse the use of any equipment it deems unsafe
or inappropriate. Save The Bay is not responsible for damage to equipment used during the Swim.
All swimmers with accessories will need a kayaker and are placed in Group 3.
Following check-in, all swimmers will have their arm numbered and receive a numbered swim cap that
must be worn during the event. The swim cap will be colored according to the assigned Group you will
be swimming in.
KAYAK INSPECTION (6:00 - 7:15 a.m.)
Kayak check-in takes time. Please arrive early in order to ensure your boat is approved in time for the
Swim. While in the kayak unloading zone, please remain in your vehicle until Save the Bay staff or
a volunteer directs you to move forward and unload. Swimmers participating with a kayaker cannot check
in until their safety kayak is approved. Swimmers must check in together with their kayakers.
required equipment: each kayaker must have the following equipment to cross the Bay with your
swimmer. If you do not have this equipment and your kayak does not comply with the following standards,
you will not be allowed to participate.
35th Citizens Bank / Save The Bay Swim
information packet
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Sea-worthy 9.5' (minimum) sea kayak or sit-on-top kayak with a paddle
2 adult life jackets (one for the kayaker; one for the swimmer)
1 blanket or towel in a dry bag (for your swimmer)
Whistle/signaling device
Strongly recommended equipment:
Questions about
kayak equipment?
Contact John at
401-272-3540, x116.
• Paddle float and pump (if there is a cockpit)
• Spray skirt (if there is a cockpit)
• Paddle leash (or other means of attaching paddle)
Kayakers should also have with them:
• recognizable headgear/hat or vest to ensure that your swimmer can spot you quickly
• Water bottles
Once your kayak has passed inspection you will be given a piece of paper verifying that
your boat has been approved. You must bring this verification to the registration area in order
to check in.
All Swimmers with Kayakers (Groups 1,2 & 3) must provide their own kayak/kayaker. If you need to rent
a kayak, please contact:
• Blackstone valley outfitters, 401-312-0369. They are located at 25 Carrington Street, lincoln, rI.
www.bvori.com
• the Kayak centre, 401-295-4400. They are located at 9 Phillips Street, Wickford, rI.
www.kayakcentre.com
• narrow river Kayaks, 401-789-0334. They are located at 94 Middlebridge rd., Narragansett, rI.
www.narrowriverkayaks.com, narrowriverkayaks@verizon.net
For further assistance finding a kayaker, please contact:
• reI’s rita Shaffer at rishaff@rei.com. reI will provide kayakers while they are available, on a
first come, first served basis.
ON The BeACh, kayakers whose kayaks have passed inspection and have registered together with their
swimmer, will enter the water in their boats in front of the starting line and to one side of the course in
preparation for the start. This way, kayakers will have an easier time locating and meeting up with their
swimmer once their group has begun.
THE SAFETY BRIEFING (7:30 - 7:45 a.m.)
This is Mandatory for all swimmers and their kayakers. Participants will be made aware of emergency
procedures and the safety regulations will be reviewed.
As soon as the orientation is finished, kayakers should proceed to their boats and get into ready position.
Swimmers should also proceed to the water and get into ready position. Swimmers and kayakers will
assemble in the water according to the group they are participating in.
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information packet
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THE START (8:00 - 8:15 a.m.)
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
8:00 a.m. – Individual Swimmers
All individual swimmers will line up in the water behind the starting line. Swimmers in this group who
anticipate completing the Swim between 30-45 minutes should place themselves in the front of the group.
Swimmers in this group who anticipate finishing in 45 minutes or more should place themselves towards
the back of the group. remember, this is not a race. The faster swimmers should be in the front of the
group for the safety of all swimmers participating. Individual swimmers will begin after the starting signal and
will be escorted across the Bay, as a group, by kayakers.
8:05 a.m. – Swimmers with Kayakers (group 1)
Swimmers will line up in the water behind the starting line with their boats off to one side. Swimmers
will swim to their escort boats and proceed across the Bay. Kayakers, please make sure your kayak has a
recognizable flag, float, etc., and that you have a recognizable hat, vest, etc. so your swimmer can easily spot
you out of the crowd. Swimmers in this group and their kayakers will begin after the starting signal.
8:10 a.m. – Swimmers with Kayakers (group 2)
Swimmers will line up and proceed in the same manner as swimmers in Group 1. Swimmers in this group
and their kayakers will begin after the starting signal.
8:15 a.m. – Swimmers with Kayakers (group 3)
Swimmers will line up and proceed in the same manner as swimmers in Groups 1 and 2. Swimmers in this
group and their kayakers will begin after the starting signal.
note to SWIMMerS WIth KayaKerS: You should work out a strategy in advance with your kayaker
to easily locate them. You do not want to waste time trying to find them when the start signal goes off.
decide where in the line of boats they will be and make sure you have a way of finding them (sign, flag,
etc.). It is also a good idea to have your kayaker pull something that floats behind their boat so you do not
have to lift your head to follow them. They also will want to have bottled water on hand.
THE SWIM (8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
Swimmers will have a maximum of two hours to cross the Bay and arrive at the finish site at Potter Cove
in Jamestown. If a swimmer is still in the water after two hours, the Coast Guard will instruct them to get
into their safety squad boat to be brought ashore. This regulation must be obeyed; the Coast Guard will
only supply the safety zone from other boating traffic for two hours.
THE FINISH (8:30 - 11:00 a.m.)
Upon turning in the position markers and completing the Swim at Potter Cove, swimmers will receive a
commemorative Swim medal, towel and t-shirt. Kayakers will be directed to the right side of the finish
area to bring the boats ashore. Water will be available on the beach for all participants.
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information packet
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THE COMPLETION PARTY
Time to relax! Family and friends are welcome to join participants and volunteers for food and refreshments across the street from Potter Cove, on the lawn of the rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority’s
property. This year we will have water dispensers rather than bottles, to reduce our carbon load on the
environment. Please bring your own reusable water bottle for fill up at the completion party.
There will be a short speaking program where plaques will be given to honor teams as well as five, ten,
fifteen, twenty, twenty-five and thirty year swimmers.
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Shuttle service will be provided from the Jamestown finish site back to the Newport starting site. The
shuttles will run until approximately 12:30 p.m. They will pick you up at the rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge
Authority’s property and bring you back to the Naval Station Newport. Unfortunately, the shuttles cannot
accommodate kayaks.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLANS
The Swim WIll be held if it is raining. The Swim WIll NOT be held if the opposite shore is not visible
due to a low, heavy fog, or if there is lightning. If weather is hazardous the Swim will be held on Sunday,
July 24, 2011, following the same schedule, weather permitting. The decision will be made the morning of
the Swim at the starting site. If the weather is questionable on the morning of Saturday, July 23, please call
401-272-3540, x140 to hear a recorded message regarding the status of the Swim.
35th Citizens Bank / Save The Bay Swim
information packet
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DIRECTIONS
the Start: coaster’s harbor Island Beach, naval Station newport
From Providence:
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.
• Take I-95 South to route 4 South (to get to route 4 South, bear left on I-95 at the sign
reading “Newport/S.County” and take exit #9).
• Continue on route 4 South to route 1 South.
• Bear right and take the exit to route 138 east (the exit sign reads “rI-138 east /
Jamestown /Newport Bridges”).
• Continue over both the Jamestown and Newport Bridges.
• Stay straight on the ramp after the Newport Bridge (passing the “Scenic Newport” exit).
• Follow the exit to the traffic light. Newport Grand Jai Alai will be in front of you.
Take a right onto Admiral Kalbfus road.
• Go west (toward the Bay) around the rotary.
• Take the second right off the rotary, following signs for “NeTC Gate 1.”
• Go straight at the light.
• At the gate, present your Swim parking pass to the Officer on duty and have your Id ready.
• To get to the parking lots near the Officers Club, take a left after the gate and continue
straight, you will pass the Officers Club sign and see the parking lots ahead.
• To get to the GYM 109 parking lot (where participants will also be parking), take a right
at the gate and continue straight. You will see the sign for GYM 109 ahead at your first left.
the fInISh : potter cove Beach in Jamestown
From Providence:
• Take I-95 South to route 4 South (to get to route 4 South bear left on I-95 at the sign
reading “Newport/S.County” and take exit #9).
• Continue on route 4 South to route 1 South.
• Bear right and take the exit to route 138 east (the exit sign reads “rI-138 east /
Jamestown /Newport Bridges”).
• Continue over the Jamestown Bridge.
SAVE THE BAY
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, RI 02905
phone: 401-272-3540
fax: 401-273-7153
www.savebay.org/swim
• Continue to the toll plaza before the Newport Bridge and take the last Jamestown exit before
the toll plaza (do not go through the toll plaza).
• Follow the curve, take the first left and go underneath the overpass of the bridge, towards
the water.
• Parking is available along the road. From here, you can easily walk to the finish and the
Completion Party.
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information packet
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SWIM ROUTE
Swimmers enter the water at Coaster’s harbor Beach, next to the Officer’s Club at the Naval Station
Newport. The Swim course will be marked along the east Passage on the northern side of the Newport
Bridge. The finish line is at Potter Cove in Jamestown.
Questions
about the Swim?
Call Gretchen at
401-272-3540, x140.