Keats to Armours Mile Swim

swim start

Welcome to the historic Keats to Armours Sea Cavalcade Mile Swim!

2010 Results are here

When:

This year's swim will take place on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 10:00 am.
Maximum 35 swimmers. Extra swimmers may be accepted at the organizers' discretion.

Check-in and registration:

8:30-9:15am at Armours Beach. Have safety equipment checked and signals agreed upon with your escort boater.

Entry Fee:

$10.00 (entry fee is $5.00 if you have a Keats safety swim cap from previous years!)

Age Groups:

Junior (18 and under), 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over

Application Form:

Printable Application Form (PDF)
Also available at the Gibsons Pool, Royal Bank Gibsons Branch and Gibsons Rec Centre. Completed applications can be dropped at Gibsons Pool or RBC Gibsons or faxed to 604-886-3974 Attn Lori or to SCRD 604-885-6852 Attn Trish. Faxed entry forms must be received by 12:00pm, Friday, July 23, 2010.

Details:

The swim starts at Keats Island (Government Dock) and ends at Armours Beach, Gibsons. To challenge the swim, all swimmers must have a safe escort boat. Get your escort boat in the water by 9:00am and on their way to Keats. See organizers about swimmer transport or paddle over with your boat. All application forms must be filled out correctly with the signatures of the Boater & Swimmer.

If you have an extra escort boat, please let the organizers know at registration time.

Escort Boat and Boater Rules

The Escort Boat may be a rowboat, kayak or canoe only. No motorized boats.
The Escort Boat must be rowed / paddled by an adult wearing a DOT approved PFD. If there are other passengers in the boat, they must also be wearing an approved PFD. Boat must have at least one extra approved PFD in the boat for the swimmer they are accompanying.
The Escort Boat may only escort ONE SWIMMER during the crossing.
Escort Boats must stay as close as reasonably possible to their swimmer to watch for boat traffic, passing other swimmers, and swimmer fatigue or emergency.
Escort Boats must carry 1 blanket and towel for their swimmer in case of emergency. Regular boat safety equipment is required as per Canada Coast Guard regulations.
The Escort Boat is expected to follow the swimmer's etiquette rules:
- You are leading the swimmer, guiding them on the quickest and best route to Armours Beach, going around other swimmers and their escort boats, so:
- Practice with your swimmer before the event and have some safety rules organized. (One Hand Wave = Distress, stop boat, come and get me ...Two Hand Wave = thirsty, bring water, etc.)
- Pass other swimmers on the side where there is more room. Don't crowd other swimmers. You have the entire Strait!!
- Guide your swimmer by keeping your swimmer on the same side of the boat for the entire race. If the swimmer breathes on one side only, choose that side. The Escort Boat must be within 'calling distance' of the swimmer at all times. Your swimmer can adjust his/her distance from you much quicker than you can from them.

Swimmers

Train and be in shape for the swim.
One minute will be added to swimmer's time if a wetsuit is worn.
Plan where your escort boat will wait during the start of the race. Swim out to them.
This is an unassisted race, so we trust you will not rest or relax on the boat during the race if you are within the top two-thirds of the finishing swimmers.
In the event of an emergency or that you are unable to complete the swim, be sure to check in with the race organizers at Armours Beach before leaving the area.
Keats Swim bathing caps must be worn during the swim and can be purchased for $10.00 unless you have one from previous years. Wearing a bright swim cap and suit helps visibility in the open water.