Support Paddler Instructions for the 3.1km Bank 2 Bank Swim
Reminder: You MUST have your support paddler present upon check in. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to take part in the swim.
To reduce swimmer/paddler congestion at the start of the 3.1km swim we have introduced some important additional guidelines.
All paddlers MUST have a life jacket on for the duration of the swim. Paddlers must be over the age of 16. If you are completing the event as a duo, one team member must be above the age of 16.
As a paddler, it is very important that you understand your role during the swim to ensure the safety of all swimmers and participants as well as not to interfere with the swimmers’ course.
Paddlers will be sent onto the water 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the swim. You must stay OUTSIDE of the red marker buoys to create a clear channel for swimmers to begin their swim. This will reduce collisions and the potential for paddlers to slow swimmers down on their journey. Please refer to the diagram above.
You have between the red marker buoys, to the 1km mark to pick up your swimmer for the reminder of the journey. We recommend paddlers begin paddling towards the 1km boat rather than sit and wait for them at the red buoys as this gives swimmers an opportunity to spread out which will make it much easier to locate your swimmer.
You must be within 20m of your swimmer at ALL times and your swimmer is not permitted to hold onto the kayak/paddleboard at any time, unless you are taking part as a team and will be swapping between swimmer and paddler throughout the 3.1km journey.
During the swim it is possible that swimmers will decide that they cannot complete the swim, due to bad conditions, illness, anxiety, or exhaustion. Paddlers, please do not try to convince your swimmer to continue if they report this to you. If they tell you they wish to stop, please alert a support motorboat with your paddle, and stay with your swimmer.
There will be two signs used by paddlers to alert support.
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If your swimmer requires assistance, but does not require medical support, please raise you paddle and hold it still
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If your swimmer needs immediate emergency assistance, please wave your paddle so that the SES can identify the urgency of the situation. The support motorboat (SES) will come to pick up your swimmer and take them to the nearest anchored boat or finish line. You should then paddle yourself to the finish or starting line, whichever is closest.
Please note that as a support paddler, you are not only looking out for your corresponding swimmer, but also surrounding swimmers AND support paddlers who may find themselves in trouble.
As you get closer to the finish line, paddlers should steer to either side and pull up at the jetty’s to allow swimmers clear access when entering the finish line chute as well as avoiding congestion for the end of the run event.