Join the Sunday Swim Squad for an open water sea swimming event in the Otago Harbour.

Beginning at Portobello, swim out around Pudding Island/Titeremoana nature reserve and return (about 1.5km).

During the swim take a rest and hear three specialists giving a brief overview of the geology, water quality, and the ecology of the harbour.

Bring family and friends, floats and lilos, surfboards or paddleboards. Experienced swimmers are recommended to wear wetsuits for assistance with buoyancy and warmth. Wetsuits are mandatory for first time open water swimmers. Wear bright swim caps and a safety swim tow float if you have one.

Children to be accompanied by an adult.

Meet at the Portobello Jetty.

Stormy weather contingency - Sunday 23rd April.

Because this event is in the elements we have included the Health and Safety Guidelines for participants (you must read this and sign the guidelines on the day prior to entering the water). Below are the guidelines for your safety:

1.     Swimmers are responsible for their own physical condition and have trained appropriately for and are able to swim the full distance of 1.5km.

2.     Be medically fit. Have a medical check prior to entry if required.

3.     All participants need to attend the 10.00am Safety briefing at Portobello Wharf on the morning of event and start and finish within the designated area.

4.     While every effort will be made to ensure a safe and fun event, The Sunday Swim Squad and crew are unable to guarantee swimmer safety.

5.     A swimmer deemed incapable of completing the course in a satisfactory condition will be brought to shore by Water safety support.

6.     While in the water, all swimmers must comply with the directions of Sunday Swim Squad swimmers.

7.     If assistance is required during the swim, swimmers are required to raise one arm so water safety personnel can assist. If this is not possible, the swimmer should roll onto their back to float in a relaxed position and try to alert a  Water Safety Support.

8.     In the event of witnessing an  incident during the swim, report this to one of the  Water Safety Support crew on the water and or on land as soon as possible.

9.     All swimmers should be vigilant when swimming around the Island.

10.  Experienced swimmers are highly recommended to wear a wetsuit for assistance with buoyancy and warmth. WETSUITS are MANDATORY if this is your first open water swim this year lasting up to one and a half hours. Harbour temperatures can range from 13-17degrees in April..

11.  Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and a safety swim tow float if you have one.

12.  Swimmers are welcome use floats, surfboards  or other buoyancy aids to help with their swim.

13.  Be aware of inherent risks involved in an open water swim event, including the possibility of injury and accident.

14.  Bring plenty of warm clothing to put on as soon as you have finished your swim

15.  It is expected that swimmers will take no longer than  60 minutes per kilometer in the water (some time may be spent on the shore of the island)

16.  The event organisers may use your image and or name before, during or after the event for event promotional purposes in any marketing media, social media and so on.

Cost:  Free

BOOK BELOW:

Hosted by The Sunday Swim Squad:  A bunch of like-minded individuals who have a passion for open water swimming. Regular swims in Otago Harbour on Sundays and Wednesdays. Check out 'Sunday Swim Squad' Facebook page for meet up times.