COORDINATES
Small Buoy 1 36°04'28.7"N 14°15'33.5"E
Small Buoy 2 36°04'30.7"N 14°15'32.2"E
Large Buoy A
Large Buoy B
Large Buoy C
14°15'34.8"E
RACE RULES AND GUIDELINES
The event shall be known as Otters Open Water Race and is being organized by Otters ASC on 7th September 2025 in Marsalforn Bay, Gozo, MALTA.
1. Registration and Race Kit
Online registrations will be open until noon of the day before race day. On site registrations will be open from 7.30am to 8.30am. No new registrations will be accepted after 8.30am. All participants must follow the time schedule provided.
Registered participants must check in at the Registration Booth at least one (1) hour before the briefing starts. Those who do not check in will be listed as DNS (Did Not Start).
Participants must ensure the collection of : Swim cap + Tattoo Number + Transponder Chip (Unless you own one)
Participants must be present for Pre-Race Briefing as per Time schedule provided
2. Training and Cut-Off Time
Registered participants should train according to their chosen swim distance. Cut-off time: 3 hours for all distances.
7.30-8.30 On Site Registrations & Race Kit (Last registration strictly at 8.30)
9.15 Briefing
9.30 500M - All Together
9.40 4Km - Waves: (0-1hr / 1-1.05 / 1.05-1.15 / 1.15+)
9.45 2Km - Waves: (0-30 / 30-35 / 35-40 / 40+)
9.50 1Km - Waves: (0-15 / 15-18 / 18-21 / 21+)
4. RACE KIT: Swim Cap, Timing Chip, Tattoo number and Buoy
A returnable swim cap will be given during the registration; this must be worn at all times during the swim course. The swim cap is to be returned back together with the timing chip after the race. Organisers will supply 2 tattoo IDs and must be tattooed on both palm hands (not shoulders)
Each Swimmer must bring and use his/her own floating aid. Swimmers with their own transponders must provide us with their registered ID during application.
A unique BIB ID will be assigned for each transponder.
Swim Cap & Transponder Chip shall be returned to organisers.
5. Wetsuit Policy
Wetsuits and/or neoprene suits up to 2mm are allowed but will not be eligible for podium finishes.
6. Swim Course
The swim course will be marked to the best ability of the organizers. Participants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the swim route map, which will be discussed during the race briefing.
7. Withdrawal/DNF
Participants withdrawing or declaring DNF (Did Not Finish) must inform the nearest race marshal.
8. Drop Bags
Drop bags must be secured, waterproofed, and marked with the participant’s name and race number. The organizers are not responsible for loss or damage to drop bags.
Participants and companions must manage their trash responsibly. Dispose of waste in available trash bins. Practice “Trash-In, Trash-Out.”
10. Respect for Local Community
Participants and companions should conduct themselves courteously towards locals, organizers, volunteers, and fellow participants.
11. Overtaking
Overtaking swimmers must not pull or hit other swimmers.
12.
Lane Line Buoys and Turning Points
Buoys and course guides (e.g., Yellow Buoys, Orange Buoys) must be kept on the swimmer’s left side.
13. Marshal Positioning
Marshals on kayaks, SUP boards, and boats will be positioned on the side of swimmers to help maneuver swimmers going in different directions.
14.
Resting and Assistance
Swimmers may use swim buoys or hold on to the pontoon, kayak or boat to float but must not board on it. If feeling unwell, use big hand waves for rescue assistance. If you choose not to continue, board on the nearest boat and be declared DNF.
15. Non-Registered Persons
Non-registered pacers and support crews are not allowed on the swim route during the race.
16. Disqualification
Failure to complete the swim or any form of cheating will result in disqualification.
A boat assigned by the organizers, shall be patrolling and marshalling the event. The event referee shall be onboard this boat. On breaching any rules of the event by a participant, this boat shall approach the said participant and a warning shall be conveyed to the swimmer.
A second warning (the Yellow/Red Card/Flag system should be applicable) shall result in an immediate disqualification from the event. In such a case, the participant should abandon the swim immediately and board his accompanying boat or the nearest available boat. If, following a disqualification notice, a swimmer continues the event, the organizers shall not be held responsible for his safety, etc.
17. Difficulties during the event
Should a participant encounter any difficulties during the event, s/he should abandon the swim immediately, board on or be given assistance by the escort boat or the nearest available boat, and inform the organizers immediately.
18. Cancellations
Advance Cancellations: If the event cannot be held due to an issue affecting the organizing team, participants will be notified at least 24 hours before the race. Weather-Related Changes: If bad weather is expected, organizers may change the race location or cancel the event, with a final decision announced by 6:00 p.m. on the eve of the race.
Refunds: If the race is canceled in advance, participants will receive a refund minus a 20% administration charge.
Communication: All updates on cancellations or location changes will be posted on the Club’s website and/or social media.
Last-Minute Cancellations: If the race is canceled just before it starts due to jellyfish, pollution, or other natural/unnatural issues, no refunds will be given.
19. Complaints
Any complaints regarding cheating must be submitted in writing within 6 hours post-race, signed, and supported by proof.
20. Rule Modifications
The Race Director/Organizer reserves the right to modify rules and the race route for the safety and welfare of participants. The organizers are the sole interpreters of these Rules, and all decisions taken by them or on their behalf shall be final.