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June 4, 2014 - Page
2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
1.0 EVENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
TheSeptember 14, 2014 chip timed events are:
1.) AquaRun for a Child (1.5-mile swim followed by a 3.1-mile run) individual race and relay,
2.) 1.5 mile and 3 mile Swim Defiance, and
At Owen Beach and along the seawall path in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma WA
1.2 Swim Race Course
The 3.0 mi electronic chipped swim is on a triangular course that starts in the water at Owen Beach between two orange triangular buoys and proceeds north toward Vashon Island and makes two right hand turns around the outside of a two tall yellow cylindrical buoys at 1.5 miles and then heads south back to Owen Beach. The 1.5mi swimmers will take a bus from the finish area to the 10:05 AM TahlequahWA State Ferry, walk on and enjoy a 15 minute ride to Vashon Island. Once they arrive, they will walk to the beach just west of the Ferry terminal, deposit there non-swim garbinprovided bags and swim out to the two tall yellow cylindrical buoys for the start at approximate 10:30 AM. All swimmers will finish with a run up the beach across a timing mat. The course is shown on the map in section 8.0
The 3.0 mile open water race starts at 9:45 a.m. The 1.5 mile, AquaRun and relay swim legs start at 10:30 a.m. This time is very near the peak of high tide. All swims end at Marine Park. The last swimmer is expected to finish before 12:30 p.m.
1.3Safety
In the event of an emergency requiring professional assistance, Tacoma 911 has confirmed that calling 911 to Anthony’s Restaurant extraction point is fastest method for medical help.
This event provides the following plan for swimmer safety from closest to farthest from swimmer:
Lifeguards: 2ARC certified lifeguards/30 swimmers will paddle alongside swimmers at intervals to provide in-water assistance, if necessary. Lifeguards will have whistles to signal jet skis for a pick up if necessary.
Kayaks/Canoes/Outriggers: 4 or more paddlers will accompany swimmers along the course to guide swimmers to stay into the planned swimming channel and provide a short term ‘hanging’ spot if swimmers become disoriented, tired or cramped up during the swimor will provide a flotation device if required. Paddlers will have orange flags and whistles to signal jet skis for a pick up if necessary.
One Browns Point Fire and RescueZodiac and two jet skis will patrol the course and the drivers will be certified First Aid providers and will wear communication radios tied to Safety Director.
Motor Boats: Outside the swim channel, motor craft with a designated observer will patrol the course to provide a barrier between swimmers and boat traffic in the area. On boards will be a certified First Aid provider and will carry communication radio tied to Safety Director.
Harbor Patrol: US Coast Guard boat will patrol the race perimeter and redirect any boat traffic away from the swim area. The US Coast Guard will be in telephone communication with Race Director and/or Safety Director at all times during the event.
Each group has a designated leader who will organize, direct and coordinate their efforts with the Safety Director. In section 2.0 of this plan, the role of the Browns Point Fire and Rescue power boat/jet skis, kayakers and certified lifeguards are better defined.
1.4 Layers of Safety
There will befour official layers of safety as show in the following Figure:
Layer 1 - Coast Guard for large shipping container sized ships
Layer 2 - Two Power Safety Boats with swimmer observer
Layer 3 - Two BPE fire jet skis + One Zodiac w/aquatic rescue boards
Layer 4- Five to ten lifeguards in kayaks and experienced volunteer kayakers
1.4DAY OF RACE SCHEDULE
COURSE SET-UP
7:30-8:00AM Safety Coordinator and team inflate5 buoys.
8:00-9:00AM Meet with BPE fire at Owen Beach to place buoys (3 yellow, 2 orange)
9:00-10:00AMSet up Run Course cones/signs and water stations
VOLUNTEERS PRE-RACE Meeting Schedule
8:00-9:00AM-ALL FINISH AREA VOLUNTEERS be checked in at registration and waiver signature obtained by group lead
8:45-9:00AM-Boaters park at Anthony’s Restaurant for meeting
9:15-9:30AMMEETING of Swim Exit,Kayaker/Lifeguard/Other Rescue personnel at swim start beach (Steve Courtney/Safety Director, Mark Greengo, Malcolm Neely)
10:15-10:30AMMEETING for 5K volunteers (Tacoma Runners/Derek Young)
VOLUNTEERS IN WATER READY TO GO
9:30AMBoaters
9:30AMKayaker/Lifeguards on paddleboards or kayaks
9:40 AMJet skis
After the national anthem, the ANNOUNCER starts race at 9:45 AM with Safety Director “GO”.
VOLUNTEER RUN COURSE MONITORS READY TO GO
10:45AM At2 water stations/turn around loop on run route
1.5 RACE DESCRIPTIONFOR IN WATER VOLUNTEER
1.5.1 Start description
At the conclusion of thevolunteer pre-race meetings, The Motor Boatswith designated observerswill immediately position themselves West and East outside the swim channel. All certified lifeguards, kayaks, and jet skis will position themselves at the swim race along the swim course and wait for the event’s 9:45AM start. Then the lifeguard and kayak leads will evenly space their crews around the triangular course. The jet skis with Browns Point Fire personnel will roam as required.
The start for the swim events is staggered by assigned waves. The 3.0 Swim Defiance heat will start in the water at Owen Beach 9:45AM in the first wave. The AquaRun/Relay and 1.5 Swim Defiance swimmers will take the 10:05 AM Tahlequah Ferry to Vashon Island and disembark and enter water for a 10:30 AM race start at the two tall yellow buoys southwest of the ferry dock. Motor Boatswill stay just outside the race course along the East and West bordersto ward off any other boat traffic. Should a kayak/jet ski bring a swimmer to the boat needing rescued, the pilot should expect to operate at dead-slow speed, idling in and out of gear at approx. 2 mph.
The event will run for approximately 3.0 hours. In water personnel should expect to be on duty on the race course until the completion of the swim; approx. 12:30PM or later, until the last swimmer has completed the race.
1.5.2 Finish description
At the race conclusion, dock or anchor your boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis outside the swim course and come to shore. CHECK IN WITH YOUR GROUP FOCAL.Food and t-shirts await you.
2.0 LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Requirements
Lifeguards must be currently certified by recognized US certification governing body (Red Cross, etc)
Personally supplied wetsuit, rescue tubes, and paddleboards are preferred but Race Director will try to supply as many as required.
2.2 Role
You are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are required. You are also here to (1) keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or needing rescue to a jet ski or power boat.
2.3 Day of Race Schedule
2.3.1 Arrival /Meeting
All lifeguards must be at the Owen Beach ready to go by 9:00 a.m. Combined Safety meeting is 9:15 a.m. conducted by Safety Director-Steve Courtney, Lead Lifeguard-Malcolm Neely, and Lead Kayaker- Mark Greengo. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:
Communication
Swimmer rescue
Course patrol and boat order
Contact information
Be in the water by 9:30 a.m., the race starts at 9:45 a.m.
2.4 Specific Race-Day Operations
Lifeguards will disperse along swim course and monitor for swimmers showing sign of distress. Follow lifeguards instruction detailed in 4.5.2Swimmer Rescuefor coordinated rescues with boats/jet skis.
Lifeguards shall return to the race start and check in with their group focal after the swimmers have all finished.
3.0 KAYAK/CANOE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Boat Requirements
Experienced kayakers should come equipped for up to two and one-half hours of slow paddling. Boat must be seaworthy. Life jackets required. Bring the following if you have them:
Red Flag
Cell phone
Whistle
Extra life jacket
Rescue tube
3.2 Role
You are here to (1) keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or needing rescue to a power boat.
3.3 Day of Race Schedule
3.3.1 Launch/Arrival
Many places to put in boats:
Anywhere along Owen Beach. Note most of shore is lined with large logs. Be ready to climb over logs with boats.
3.3.2 Meeting
All kayaks must be at the Les Davis Marine Park by 9:00 a.m. Combined Safety meeting is 9:15 a.m. conducted by Safety Director-Steve Courtney, Lead Lifeguard-Malcolm Neely, and Lead Kayaker- Mark Greengo. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:
Communication
Swimmer rescue
Course patrol and boat order
Contact information
Be in the water by 9:30, the race starts at 9:45.
3.4 Specific Race-Day Operations
One Kayak type boat will lead the 9:45 AM 3.0 mile swim startto the first tall yellow cylindrical buoy near Vashon Island and should stay approximately 100-feet in front of the swimmers. Maintain that gap to the first buoy. That kayak cannot get too close to the lead swimmer else we entertain complaints that the winner was paced or escorted.
Divide remaining small boats into along the length and in the middle of the course.Some regrouping might be needed to keep kayaks where the swimmers are.
One Kayak type boat will lead the 10:30 AM 1.5 mile swim start (between the two tall yellow cylindrical buoys) near Vashon Island toward Owen Beach and should stay approximately 100-feet in front of the swimmers
Designate one or more boats to bring up the rear. Do not bunch up along the course and do not plan on paddling next to anyone.
Kayakers shall return to the race start after the finish of the all the swimmers and check in with your group focal.
3.4.1 Course Policing
If you see a swimmer heading off course, use your boat, paddle. flag or shouts to get their attention. Remember they cannot hear very well with their ears full of water. Do not be shy about shouting, whistling, waving at them and herding them back onto the course.
Do not follow swimmers off the course unless absolutely necessary. Swimmers will follow you, right or wrong. Be a good guidepost for swimmers, encourage errant swimmers to follow you back on course.
4.0 JET SKI/POWER BOAT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Jet Ski Requirements
The Browns Point Fire Department is supplying their own maintained and inspected jet skis and rescue equipment. The asst. Safety Director, also part of BPFD, will insure these craft are in working order on race day.
4.1.1 Swimmer Rescue
Any swimmer rescued by a paddle board or kayak will be removed from the race by a jet ski. The Jet ski may choose to transport the swimming to the motor boat once outside the race course.
4.2Boat Requirements
Two volunteer experience boaters aresupplying their own maintained and inspected small power boat. Safety Director will insure these craft are in working order on race day. Boatswill meet current USMS Open Water Guide to Operations, Part 1: Open Water Sanction Guidelines, Revision Date: January 2014, and Part 2: Open Water Safety Guidelines, Revision Date: January 2014 capable of transporting at least four people, and able to be comfortably boarded from the water without risking tipping or injury to a swimmer.
As a minimum the boatswill be checked with the following checklist:
1. Did the boat operator provide a proof of insurance for the boat?
2. Does the boat have a propeller guard?
3. Does the boat have a dedicated swimmer monitor on board (required without propeller guard)?
4. Did the boat operator attend the pre-race meeting?
5. Did the swimmer monitor attend the pre-race meeting?
6. Do the swimmer monitor and boat operator both agree not to participate in the swim?
7. Does the boat have life jackets for everyone on the boat plus four additional for possible rescued
swimmers?
8. Is there two-way radio/ communication between the boat operators and the safety director?
9. Are the boat operator and swimmer monitor aware of any and all restricted zones within the race area?
10. Does the boat have first aid supplies on board?
Race specific gear:
- Skier-down or similar flag
- Four extra life jackets
- Charged cell phone
- Anchor with adequate rope for water depth
- Paddle or auxiliary motor
- Bucket and/or bilge pump
- Secondary motor or paddle
- Adequate fuel
- Blankets or towels for swimmers picked up during the event
- Binoculars
Optional but strongly recommended equipment includes:
- Fire extinguisher
- 50-foot throw rope
Per USMS Open Water Guide to Operations: All propeller driven watercraft used in conjunction with the sanctioned open water events must have a propeller guard(s) installed for the duration of the event.
A) Boats owned and operated by or on behalf of Coast Guard, police, fire and rescue, or other government agencies;
B) Boats with a swimmer monitor on board to assist the boat captain while navigating on the swim course. Swimmer monitors shall be assigned to each motorized watercraft without a propeller guard. The swimmer monitor shall insure the boat steers clear of all swimmers while the motor is running. The swimmer monitor may not swim in the event. The swim monitor may not drive the boat; however they may perform other actions that do not detract from their primary role;
C) Boats at anchor from start to finish of the sanctioned event with engine(s) off, while any swimmer is in the water; and
D) Boats with propellers fore of the rudder (e.g. inboard motors), provided:
(1) These boats do not run directly on the designated swim course.
(2) For events requiring personal escort craft, water craft with inboard motors may be allowed on the course provided their engines are off when any swimmer is within 20 feet of the propeller.
4.2.1Role
The power boat is one of four craft that will accompany swimmers along the race course. The others are paddleboards with lifeguards, kayaks, and jet skis. External to the race course is the US Coast Guard boat.
Power boats provide these general functions during the event;Course Patrol:Power boats will operate outside the designated race course and provide a physical barrier between swimmers and general boat traffic. This is the boat’s primary role;and Swimmer Patrol:The power boat may pull slow or unfit swimmers from the course via the Jet Skias decided by the Safety Director.
4.2.1.1Specific Race-Day Operations
Again, the primary role is to prevent general boat traffic from entering the course. Power boats are the boundary between the harbor and the course.
The power boats should stay 100-feet outside of the outer edge of the course as marked by the buoys.
Keep an eye out for other boats (kayaks, harbor patrol etc.)
When ANY boat (power, sail or paddle) approaches from the North (Sound) side of the course, the nearest power boat should (1) intercept that craft, (2) explain the event, and (3) tell them to keep 300 yards from the race course. Any problem whatsoever, contact US Coast Guard boat via cell phone. This is their job, let them do it.
Any boat approaching from shoreline will be responsibility of kayakers.
4.2.1.2Swimmer Rescue
General
oIf a swimmer must be rescued by the motor craft for any reason, notify the Safety Director immediately thru closest cell phone/walkie talkie.
oObtain swimmer name and number and general condition. Relay information to Race Director and Command Boat, also noting time and approximate location along the course.
oWhen approached by or notified of a swimmer requiring rescue, the nearest boat will:
Idle engine and remain perpendicular to Jet Ski.
Move toward course edge, reverse as necessary to stop at course edge, and take engine out of gear.
DO NOT ENTER THE SWIM COURSE!
Direct jet ski out of course and toward rescueboat.
Conduct rescue as described below.
Idle back to position
oNotify Safety Director that rescue concluded and boat returned to position or ferry swimmer to extraction point if medical emergency is determined. Note that swimmer has withdrawn, restate swimmer’s name, number and condition, time of rescue.
oIf required by Race Director, fill out incident report at conclusion of race.
Non Medical Emergency Measures (e.g., fatigue),
oFollow outline above
oA rescuer may notify nearest power boat by whistle and/or flag that a swimmer requires a non-medical rescue.
oRescuer will escort the swimmer outside of the swim course for pickup, or swimmer may proceed on his or her own power.
oGet swimmer into boat and comfortable. Keep swimmer on board until docked at race finish.