New swim route for the End-to-End

2 mile open water swim for Masters

In addition to the immensely popular walks, there are several water sports options to the End-to-End including swimming, kayaking, and rowing.

In 2007, a new swim route will be used to provide greater interest as well as increased safety for the swimmers. The new 2 mile open water route will begin at the Watford Bridge east jetty and proceed along the shoreline to the Fantasea watersports facility at the End-to-End finish line in Dockyard; the previous route crossed the deep water and marine traffic lanes from Spanish Point to Dockyard.

As in past years, the swim event will be coordinated by the Bermuda Masters Swimming Association to ensure that only capable swimmers take part.

Participants may sign up in advance ($40 plus pledges) or on event day ($50). In order to track the number of swimmers registering through the website, we ask that when you sign up you join the BMSA Swimmers team:

Check-In:Check-in will open at 9:30am at Watford Bridge east jetty. Entry forms, Release Waivers, Swim caps and t-shirts will be available at check-in but the forms can also be downloaded from the website. Prior to taking part all swimmers will have to complete a Release Waiver and will need to be registered and vetted by the Swim Marshall before 10:15am.

Swimmers will be assigned a number and a list of participants will be complied prior to the start. A small bag of clothing for each swimmer can be stored in one of the support boats. There will be water bottles on board the support boats for during or after the swim.

Safety: The Swimming Event organiser will arrange for orange inflatable buoys to be positioned at key points along the route as a visual references for the swimmers. In the interest of safety the following requirements must be adhered to at all times:

a) All swimmers will need to wear a bright yellow pre-numbered swim cap (provided).b) Swimmers must be with at least one buddy during the swim for improved visibility.c) A minimum of two support vessels will accompany the swimmers for the duration of the event.d) In the event of an emergency or distress, swimmers should wave one arm in a sweeping motion over their head if they wish to be removed from the water

Finish: At the finish at Fantasea, a Swim Marshall with the complete start list will take down the number of each swimmer as they exit the water. Once checked by the Marshall, swimmers may proceed on foot to cross the Finish Line. Thereafter the swimmers can make their own way home on the ferry or catch a ride back to the start at Watford bridge in the support boats.

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