Lake George 2.5k, 5k, 10k Swims

Safety Plan

We have a comprehensive safety plan in place that includes general land and water safety for swimmers and volunteers. Our water safety includes an inner perimeter of kayakers, with an outer perimeter of motorboats manned by volunteers, Hague Volunteer Fire Department, and usually the Lake George Park Commission and other government entities either on site or on call.

Divisions

There will be non-wetsuit and wetsuit categories. We will follow the USMS policies for wetsuits and non-wetsuit attire. You can see the description for Cat 1 and Cat 2 attire here, specifically under rules 303.7.2 and 303.7.3 (pages 72-73)

USMS Rules Regarding Wetsuits/Non-Wetsuits

Rules for Category I ("Non-Wetsuit") Swimwear for Open Water Events

A Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap or caps (including caps made of neoprene when the water temperature is not greater than 78 degrees Fahrenheit), and goggles. Swim caps shall be defined as head gear conforming to a traditional swim cap design, may have a chin strap, and shall not extend to protect the neck and/or shoulders. Nose clips, ear
plugs, and wristwatches are also allowed.

B The swimmer shall wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials and not contain clasps or zippers. For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles.

Rules for Category II ("Wetsuit") Swimwear for Open Water Events

A Swimwear that does not meet the requirements for category I swimwear shall be considered category II swimwear. Swimwear may include a swimsuit or wetsuit, cap or caps, goggles, armbands, and rash guards.

Nose clips, ear plugs, wristwatches, and grease are also allowed.

B Wetsuits, neoprene caps, or any other heat-retaining swimwear may be allowed at the discretion of the event host, but only when the water temperature is not greater than 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit).

C Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any additional device or substance to help their speed, pace, navigation, buoyancy, or endurance during a swim (such as webbed gloves, fins, snorkels, audio players, etc.), except in designated events where all swimmers may use similar devices or substances. Medical identification items may be worn. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the referee.

D At the discretion of the event host, except for national championship swims, swimmers may be permitted or required to wear a personal buoy for identification and safety. Requirements for buoys as well as rules for the use of these devices will be included in the event information. Permitted personal buoys, if not required under article 303.4.2E, will be considered category II swimwear for purposes of placement and scoring.

Evidence

Please submit evidence of having completed a swim of  2/3rds the distance of your chosen event (applies to 5k and 10k). Evidence may be submitted when you register and should include the date, venue, distance and time it took you to complete your swim. These swims should be in open water and they may happen in or out of competition. If you have extensive training experience in pools and some open water swim experience that will suffice as evidence. The key is to ensure you will be able to complete your distance comfortably and within the cut-off.

Awards

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Cat 1 / Non-Wetsuit Results & Awards Categories for 2.5k, 5k, 10k

• Awards to top 3 overall male/female
• Awards to top 3 in each age-group

Cat 2 / Wetsuit Results & Awards Categories

• Results posted as overall finishers
• Awards to top 3 overall male/female

Water Temperature

Water temperature is generally 72-76 degrees. Real-time temps here for south-end (generally similar to north-end).