2k harbour/ocean Swim

Event day guide

Keep eye on regular updates

Once you have paid your entry, we aim to make your event day process quick and easy.

 NOTE: Read your entry instructional email

1. Aim to arrive 75 – 90 minutes prior to your start to allow ample time to park, collect your swim cap and time chip and warm up.
2. Check in is at Wollongong City Surf Club on Marine parade a 200m walk to harbour.
3. Sign in and collect your swim cap and time chip and head to the harbour
4. Place velcro time chip on left ankle as instructed and keep the Eyeline swim cap with you.
5. Warm up on north side of harbour as per maps
6. Check your event start times and course maps (*subject to change due to conditions), and listen to the announcer
7. 20 minutes prior to your start, proceed to the ‘swim marshal area’ NORTH side of the harbour with all swim gear, swim cap and time chip on.
8. Listen to safety briefing
9. Line up when called
10. In small groups you will be moved to start line
11. Rolling starts ~ 2-4 per start per age/gender groupings.
12. Time chip allocates accurate start time
13. The Swim begins on the shoreline or knee depth depending on tidal mark
14. Swim courses are well marked out with large visible bouys
15. 400m and 800m swims remain in Wollongong harbour
16. 2km swim is a 1km circuit completed twice, that extends outside of harbour northward to rear of continental swim pools as per maps
17. Lifesavers escort and support swimmers
18. NSW Maritime exclusive event water use licence in use
19. Refer swim safety for additional information
20. Finisher medals for everyone
21. Swim finish services include refreshments, first aid, amenity block nearby
22. Official presentation of age / category prizes at conclusion of event
23. Swim times and result are hosted online – link to come

Please note event start time varies, allow ample time to check in and set up prior to your event.

Check In Location:
Wollongong City Surf Club. Marine Parade. Collect swim cap, time chip, entry pack.

Start location:
Wollongong Harbour

Parking:
Loads within 200m (Marine, Endeavour Drive, nearby streets, Harbour)

Finish:
Wollongong Harbour / Belmore basin

Finish Line & Services:
A finish arch will greet you along with a cheering crowd- plus refreshments, water and your finisher medals. The site will be ‘activated’ with fun activities.

Presentation: On site

+ Professionally organised event by highly experienced crew

+ Event approvals and insurance (note: please refer to insurance note in event terms)

+ Picture perfect location, safe venue

+ Key safety measures , amazing lifesavers, course marshals and first aid

+ Covid safe precautions

+ Eyeline swim cap

+ Awesome finishers medals for everyone

+ Finish line recovery station

+ Onsite and nearby amenities and cafes

+ Time Chip, online results

+ Awards for category winners

+ Spot prizes

Wollongong boat harbour is central to Wollongong city and lies between North Beach (900m north of harbour) and Wollongong City Beach (200m) to the south.

Protected from most conditions, the Harbour provides a perfect location, that is mostly sheltered from heavy swells and wind. The harbour is used for recreation and fishing and typically clean with the historic lighthouse backdrop and fishing boats.

The harbour has and continues to host multiple events as Triathlons, Aquathon, swims, as well as recreational outrigger, stand up paddling and swimming.

Wollongong harbour can be affected by extreme weather, as winds, rain/storm that may affect water quality and swell. Final safety decision is made by expert swim director and lifesavers, with option to modify or cancel the swim section or at worst case (extremely rare) event cancellation.

All swims start and finish in the harbour, so should offer no difficult conditions in terms of swell or break under normal circumstances.

The 2km extends into open water, though not into the beach, expect smooth, to bumpy/rough dependent swell/winds 

If deemed unsafe, the 2km swim may be shortened. The 400m and 800m swims will be modified if necessary.

Lifesavers on craft monitor swimmers, exclusive water licence for harbour use is in play with first aid and emergency services on standby.

Activate Events has conducted over 40 Aquatic events in Wollongong harbour and has an exemplary safety history. Strict risk management processes are in place, and services as onsite first aid and lifesavers all form a key part. All swimmers must wear the provided brightly coloured swim cap. The swim is contained within the harbour, watched closely by our lifesavers. Wollongong Harbour offers a mostly sheltered and safe location though it is paramount swimmers are aware of inherent risks with open water swimming and are appropriately prepared. Whilst all care and safety is taken, participants must observe all safety directions. Water referees will determine the most suitable swim course and/or course modification if conditions are deemed less safe.

These vessels will be following the swimmers around the course:

• Maritime Rescue Boat (subject to event/RMS discretion)
• Minimal 1 x IRB’s for harbour swim venue and two (2) for ocean swims
• Lifeguard operated jet ski’s with mats (subject to event and venue)
• Rescue Boards
• Surf Skis
• Rescue Tubes

First Aid
First aid will operate at the shoreline, on course and finish by appropriately trained personnel. Medical and emergency services are on standby

Emergency Evacuation Plan
On the Day of the Event, there will be a full briefing for all water and land safety directly involved, in regards to any major risk or incident, requiring all swimmers to evacuate the water or runners to evacuate the course

The statistical percentages of support vessels to swimmers shows that our Risk Management Plan, specific to water safety and support paddlers, incorporates the necessary protocols and numbers on the water to effectively

• Suitable swim attire
• Swim cap (provided)
• Swim goggles

Wetsuit ruling:

Wetsuits are permitted though the participant is deemed ineligible for age category awards. Your time will appear under “wetsuit’ category. If the water temperature falls below <19 degrees wetsuits will be permitted for safety reasons.

Swim Aids:
400m and 800m : Back of the pack ‘open age division’ : Flippers are permitted though are not eligible for age awards. No other swim aids unless with prior consent from the swim referee, please send request to info@aquathon.com.au

2k: Back of the pack ‘open age division’ : Flippers, wetsuits are permitted though are not eligible for age awards. Please ensure you can confidently make the swim distance and in the conditions.  If have additional or other questions or requests to info@aquathon.com.au

Location

Located on the coastal city of Wollongong NSW, only 80km south of Sydney makes for an easy and worthwhile trip. North Beach and the picturesque Belmore Basin (known as Wollongong Boat Harbour) are central to the city, with a host of cafe’s, shops, hotels and magic beaches on your doorstep.

Registration: Wollongong City Surf Club

Where to stay?

Wollongong has a host of affordable to more luxury accommodation options click here

Travel

A little over an hour south of Sydney, offering an easy drive or train trip, ( 2.5 hours outside Canberra)- makes for a perfect weekender or day trip – Travel options click here

CONTACT & MAPS click here

Event Terms and Conditions

1. The participant (Participant) in the Wollongong Splash (Event) acknowledges and agrees that these terms and conditions are subject to change from time to time at the discretion of the Activate Events (The Organiser) and without notice to the Participant.
2. I declare, as a condition of entry into the Event, that I have undertaken sufficient training for the Event and that I am not aware of any illness, injury, physical disability or impairment which may cause me injury or death during or as a consequence of participation in the Event.
3. Only entries submitted through the official online registration system will be accepted. The information on how to enter and the details about the Event forms part of these Event terms and conditions. The number of entrants will be strictly limited and will be decided on the basis of first received or until registrations close.
4. Promotional codes may only be used where the Participant meets the conditions applying to the code and uses it within the validity period. Promotional codes are not able to be redeemed or exchanged for cash and must only be used by the Participant(s) to whom the relevant code was issued to by the code owner. Promotional codes may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
5. The organiser reserves the right to modify, suspend and/or cancel any promotional code at any time without notice to Participants. No refunds will be made to Participants who have access to a promotional code but who do not use the code at the time of registration and purchase.
6. I accept full responsibility for informing myself and assessing all the dangers, hazards and risks of entry in the Event and will rely solely on my own assessment of these dangers, hazards and risks before participating in the Event and notwithstanding any decision thereon made by the Event race committee and/or other persons corporations and bodies involved in promoting or staging the Event.
7. The decision to participate in the Event is entirely my own and I accept all risks associated with participation in the Event, including but not limited to loss of life and/or any injury (including any permanent injury).
8. I agree to abide by all Event terms and conditions. I understand that I must follow the approved course and obey all directions and instructions given by the organiser and Event officials.
9. I agree and accept that the organiser may, in its absolute discretion, at any time and from time to time vary the rules and regulations of the Event without prior notice to me.
10. I consent to receive such emergency medical aid or preventative treatment which may be deemed advisable in the unfettered discretion of Event Medical Officials in the event of any injury accident or illness to me during my participation in the Event.
11. I acknowledge that when participating in the Event I must wear the official ankle timing chip and swim cap corresponding to the registration made in my name. Flippers, fins or other accessories are only permitted as a non-timed/awarded participant.
12. I understand that wetsuits are permitted though I am not eligible for age awards. Participants must not tamper with the timing chip. Timing services are provided by contracted timing service providers, and the organiser takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the timing data. By participating in the Event and wearing the ankle timing chip, each Participant consents to the Event and timing service provider collecting and publishing his or her timing data for the Event.
13. I understand that starting before my assigned wave start time will result in disqualification.
14. The use of any type of drone is prohibited at the Event.
15. The organiser reserves the right to change or modify any part of the Event including the date, course and/or location at any time and from time to time without personal notice to the Participant. Details of any such changes will be published on the Event website, the Event Facebook page, Event e-newsletter and/or other media.
16. I acknowledge that the organiser and/or its representative may remove me from the Event area and/or exclude me from participation in the Event if in the organiser’s opinion it is necessary to do so: (a) due to my behaviour being inappropriate, offensive, or abusive (in the organiser’s opinion); (b) to prevent damage to any property; (c) on medical, health and/or safety grounds (including to prevent possible harm or injury to myself and/or any other person); and/or (d) to prevent or arrest any form of unauthorised marketing, including ambush marketing.
17. I agree that registration in the Event is personal to me and that no other person is permitted to participate in the Event in my place.
18. I understand that should my contact details change after my registration has been completed, it will be my responsibility to notify the organiser.
19. A credit card surcharge reflecting the organiser’s actual costs of offering payment by credit card will be added to Visa, Mastercard payments.
20. Entry registrations are not transferable to third parties. If a transfer option between distances is made available (at the organiser’s discretion), I consent to paying the administration fee at the time of transfer. If transferring from a shorter distance to a longer distance, I acknowledge that I will be required to pay the difference in entry fee and an administration fee. Should I wish to transfer from a longer distance to a shorter distance, I acknowledge that I will forfeit the change in price.
21. If an event upgrade option to receive an additional event at a package price is made available (at the organiser’s discretion), I acknowledge that I must follow the appropriate protocol in order to receive the package upgrade offer. This includes but is not limited to contacting the Event and requesting inclusion in the offer, waiting until the event upgrade option becomes open and using the appropriate code during the additional event purchase.
22. The organiser reserves the right, in its discretion, to reject or cancel my entry at any time, including without limitation for safety or insurance reasons, or if, in the opinion of the organiser, I will not be able to complete the Event within the cut-off times. The organiser will not be obliged to refund any portion of the entry fee in such circumstances.
23. I acknowledge that refunds may only be issued for the Event entry fee where participation in the Event is not appropriate due to medical reasons that is supported by a current medical certificate outlining the condition and lodged with the organiser before 5.00pm (AEST) on 3rd December 2022. Any decision as to whether to issue a refund will be solely at the organiser’s discretion. If the organiser decides to refund an Event entry fee, I understand that a 25% administration fee will be deducted from the race entry fee paid. Refunds will not be made for any additional items purchased, such as event merchandise and charitable donations.
24. I acknowledge that a refund may be issued for the Event entry fee where a COVID-19 test with a positive result within 7 days of the Aquathon is received or if awaiting COVID-19 test results. The organiser will require proof of testing and/or results. Refunds will not be made for any additional items purchased, such as event merchandise and charitable donations.
25. I agree that if I am experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 that I will get tested for COVID-19 and not compete in the Event.
26. The organiser reserves the right to cancel the Event at any time if the organiser considers in its sole discretion this is required due to any sort of dangerous conditions and/or force majeure. In the event of cancellation, there will be no refund of entry fee unless otherwise determined by the organiser in its sole discretion and the cancelled Event may not be re-scheduled. A decision will be made ASAP on race day and broadcast on event facebook and via the Event website.
27. If the event is postponed, an alternate date will be communicated and all entries will be automatically rolled to the new event date. No refunds will be made avaliable after the normal original event date refund terms as listed. 100% of entry fee is transfered to the new date.
28. The organiser reserves the right to cancel the Event at any time due to COVID-19 and NSW Health Orders. In the event of cancellation due to COVID-19, an alternate date may be looked at to stage the event.
29. If the Event is cancelled due to COVID-19 and alternate dates are unavailable, a credit for the full Event entry fee will be provided against the entry fee for the 2023 Splash Wollongong. Refunds or credits will not be made for any additional items purchased, such as event merchandise and charitable donations.
30. I consent to the organiser. using my personal details in my registration form for the administration of the Event and by any third parties selected by me during the registration process, including to SMS information about the Event to me if I have provided a mobile phone number, unless otherwise indicated by me during the online registration process. I also consent to my personal details being used by the organiser. for future marketing and promotional purposes.
31. I acknowledge that I will only be eligible for any prize that may be offered in connection with placing at the Event if I complete the approved course by the indicated cut-off times and in accordance with these Event terms and conditions and any other applicable Event rules and regulations.
32. Each competitor must assemble behind the designated starting line, await official start and then proceed on the approved Event course. I acknowledge that entry into the Event course after the indicated cut-off time or prior to the official start will result in disqualification.
33. The Event referee’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
34. I agree that registration in the Event is valid for the Event only, and cannot be transferred or deferred to future events
35. I declare that all the information supplied by me in the registration process is true and correct.
36. I certify that I am 18 years or older or that I am the parent/legal guardian of a Participant who is under the age of 18 years, and I have read this document and fully understand it. Where I am a parent or legal guardian of a Participant, I agree to these terms and conditions for and on behalf of the Participant.
37. The organiser reserves the right to inspect any bag or other attachment to or accompaniment of a participant at any time while the participant is participating in the Event including at the starting line and finishing line areas.

Release and Waiver

37. In consideration of acceptance of my entry in the Event, I agree on my own behalf and on behalf of my heirs, executors and administrators and declare that: to the extent permitted by law, I hereby waive release and discharge each of the organiser Parties (as defined in paragraph 38 below) from and against all and every claim, right or cause of action (including for negligence, for breach of contract or breach of statute) which I might have or which may arise out of my death or injury and/or damage or loss of any description which I may suffer or sustain as the result of or in connection with my participation in the Event. This release continues and forever and binds my heirs, executors, personal representatives and assigns and may be pleaded as a bar to any action, claim, demand, suit or legal proceedings.

38. This waiver release and discharge operates jointly and severally in favour of the organiser and its related bodies corporate, and their respective directors, officers, agents, contractors, employees and volunteers including medical and paramedical personnel appointed for the Event, event stakeholders, the owners, licensees and occupiers of the land upon which the Event or any part of it is conducted, any statutory body or local authority having control over any land upon which the Event or any part of it is conducted, Event sponsors, supporters, persons, corporations, contractors, sub-contractors, volunteers, servants and employees involved or otherwise engaged in promoting, staging, administering, running or controlling the Event (Organiser Parties).

39.Where a Participant is under the age of 18 years, in consideration of the organiser agreeing at my request to accept the entry of this Participant in the Event, I hereby agree for myself, the Participant, their heirs, executors and administrators to hereby waive release and discharge (to the extent permitted by law) all and every claim, right or cause of action (including for negligence, for breach of contract or breach of statute) for which I might have or which the minor Participant may have or which arises out of the death, injury, damage or loss of any description which I or the Participant may suffer or sustain as a result of his/her participation in the Event. This release continues forever and binds the Participant’s heirs, executors, personal representatives and assigns and may be pleaded as a bar to any action, claim, demand, suit or legal proceedings

PRIVACY

40. I acknowledge that if I select to become a member of a team, the team manager will have access to download my personal details, including my name, contact telephone number, email address and home address. As a team manager, I understand that my email address will be disclosed to my team members (but not to members of other teams).

40. I consent to the publication and/or use in any form of media whatsoever of my name, race result, image, voice, statement or otherwise, (including the publication of my name and/or Event result, suburb and applicable age bracket in any media publication and/or on the Event website) without any payment or compensation to me. I also consent to the use of my image and/or voice in any form of media whatsoever for the purposes of promoting the Event and/or other events operated or managed by the organiser without any payment or compensation to me.

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Privacy Collection Statement:

42.The organiser collects your personal information for the administration of the Event and for future marketing and promotional purposes relating to future runnings of the Event. I acknowledge that the organiser may disclose and use my personal information in accordance with the organiser’s privacy policy and/or in accordance with these Event Terms and Conditions.

43.The organiser may disclose your personal information to any third parties involved in the Event, including service providers and any charities selected by you or the organiser. Further information on how the organiser handles your personal information is contained in our Privacy Policy.

General Refunds

Refund Policy

• More than 14 days before event date: 50% of entry fee is refundable minus additional $5 administration fee.
• Less than 14 days before event date: no refund is applicable

Medical Policy

Refunds are only permissible due to medical reasons with proof. All other requests are at the descretion of the event organisers. All requests must provide confirmation that Online Registration for the Event in question has been completed.

The time frames noted are determined from the day of the Event in question.

MEDICAL – Request for an Event Refund can be provided, as per the following:

More than 5 days prior to the event- Full refund minus 50% entry fee and additional $5 administration fee based on medical certificate proof.

• Between 0 and 4 days prior to the event, no entry fee is refundable unless with covid positive proof.
• COVID 19 Event transfer policy.

  We’re pleased to announce a full credit transfer policy of entry fees to the 2023 Splash Wollongong event if the event is CANCELLED due to COVID-19 or if a paid entrant tests positive within seven (7) days of the event and is required to isolate.

• Proof of positive covid result is required and can be emailed to info@aquathon.com.au

Request for an Event Transfer to the following years event may be made due to medical reasons up until 7 days prior to the event with a valid medical certificate.

• Transfer only to 2023 Splash event of equal or lesser value. Higher value event which will require a payment to pay the outstanding balance between the two, if greater value. If you transfer to an event of lesser value, no refund or credit of the difference in price between the two is given.

There is NO TRANSFER between athletes.

Link to come