2018 U.S. Masters Swimming Long Distance Open Water National Championship

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Registration Schedule

This competition is limited to the first 300 entrants.
Currently there are 174 entrants.

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Sanctioned by NJ LMSC for USMS, Inc.Sanction # 078-W001 and USA Swimming, Sanction # 180790-OW 

EVENT DESCRIPTION:  The USMS Fire Island 5K National Championship and 1 Mile Ocean Swim is hosted by Open Water Swim LLC and is an open water swim charity event that will start/finish at Atlantique, Fire Island, ocean side. USMS Long Open Water Nationals (5K) is open to USMS members only.  The 1 Mile swim is open to USMS members and One-Event participants,  18 years and older. 

COURSE INFORMATION:  The swim course will run from Atlantique west .5 miles to Fair Harbor, left shoulder turn at turn buoy and loop back to Atlantique. Swimmers will swim parallel to beach approx 30 feet off shore.  The USMS Long Open Water Nationals (5K)  will loop 3X from Atlantique to Fair Harbor.  The 1 Mile race will run 1 loop from Atlantique to Fair Harbor, left shoulder at turn buoy and back to Atlantique.  Start/finish will be on the beach to the west of Atlantique lifeguard stand. Swim course will be clearly marked with buoys.    Lifeguards, stand-up paddlers, kayaks and a jet ski with rescue sled will monitor the entire course. There will be designated water breaks for 5K distance swim only. Swimmers will be required to adhere to USMS Swimming Rules governing conduct and attire. As currents and surf can vary, swimmers should be prepared for a challenging swim and must be conditioned for the open water.  Race director reserves the right to modify race or cancel swim if severe dangerous conditions arise.  Wave designations and swim direction will be determined closer to race date subject to number of race entrants and weather conditions. Expected water temperature range is 66-70°F with some chop and currents due to wind, and the possibility of flotsam, jetsam and jellyfish.

ELIGIBILITY:  Must be 18 years of age or older and registered with U. S. Masters Swimming ("USMS"). Age determination date is December 31, 2018. A legible copy of 2018 USMS registration card must be included with mail-in entry form. For annual USMS registration/renewal go to http://www.usms.org/reg/.  One-day single-event ("OEVT") discounted fee USMS registration available for non-annual USMS members (online event registration system MUST be used to exercise this OEVT option). One-Event members are NOT eligible for the USMS Long Open Water Nationals (5K).

FIELD LIMIT:  Maximum number of swimmers 300 on a first-received basis.

ACCEPTANCE:  Each swimmer will need to provide information about their long distance swimming history and pace per mile, provide 2018 USMS registration card number, and sign a waiver.  Once race organizers review and accept the application, swimmer must pay entry fee either online or by check. All applicable 2018 USMS rules, regulations and safety requirements will be enforced.

ACCEPTABLE SWIM ATTIRE: 
Rules for Category 1 Swimwear for Open Water Events (1 303.7.2) A Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap or caps.  (Note: Swim Caps will be provided for the swim by race organizer and must be worn during swim – no exceptions). Nose clips, ear plugs, and wristwatches are also allowed.  2 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.

Wetsuits ARE permitted for Non Championship Distance Events Only and will be timed under a separate “wetsuit” category. All swim suits and equipment for non-wetsuit swimmers must conform to current USMS open water rules.*  Use of MP3 players and other electrical audio/communication devices by the swimmer during event is not permitted.
*In September 2010, the USMS House of Delegates voted to follow new regulations regarding swimsuits for open water competition, effective January 1, 2011. For all open water national championships events, swimwear shall be made of textile material. For men, the swim suit shall not extend above the navel or below the knee. For women, the swim suit shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulders nor extend below the knees. There are no “fastener” specifications.

SWIMMER ESCORTS:  Safety and escort craft will be provided and will accompany swimmers throughout the event.  Support craft other than designated race craft are not permitted.  Optional water breaks will be provided for swimmers throughout the swim.

DISQUALIFICATION RULE 303.9   Make forward progress by pulling, pushing, or maintaining contact on physical features and/or craft on or near the course, other than the bottom near the start and finish and at specified locations. This rule will be enforced.  Swimmers may not make deliberate contact with craft, craft operators, and/or physical features on or near the course during the swim.

AGE GROUPS: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, and so on in five-year increments, as high as necessary for men and women.

AWARDS:  USMS Long Open Water Nationals (5K): Individual award for the overall National Champion. 1st through 6th place medals for each age group and gender. First place finisher in each age group and gender. 1 Mile:  Individual awards for non-championship 1-mile 1st place by gender.  1st through 3rd place medals for 1 mile, age group, and gender.

Award ceremony will be held at the start/finish line on the beach 30 minutes after the last swimmer has exited the water.

GOODIES:  Commemorative event shirt, towels, generous goodie bag, and pre- and post-race refreshments.

RESULTS:  Results will be posted online at www.usms.org and www.openwaterswimli.com

SCHEDULE:           
9:00AM         Check-In begins
10:30AM        Check-In ends
10:45AM*       Mandatory race briefing at course start for all swimmers
11:00AM        400 Meter USA (10 and under) Swimmers begin
11:15AM        5K Swimmers begin
11:30AM        1 Mile Adult Swimmers begin
11:40AM        1 Mile USA Swimmers begin
1:00PM         Award ceremony (400 Meter & 1 Mile Swimmers)
3:00PM         Race ends
 3:30PM        Awards ceremony (5K National Championship)

*Attendance at pre-race briefing is MANDATORY

ENTRY FEES & DEADLINE:
5K and 1 Mile USMS and OEVT 18 YEARS +:
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION    until June 4, 2018               $85.00
REGISTRATION                          June 5 – July 2, 2018          $125.00

Your credit card statement will reflect a charge from ClubAssistant.com. 
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Final mail-in entry deadline is RECEIVED (not postmarked) by 5:00PM on Friday, June 29, 2018.  
No Refunds will be granted due to cancellation of race due to weather and/or water conditions.

ONLINE REGISTRATION:  Race organizers strongly urge swimmers to register online for speed and accuracy.  Online registration (with VISA or M/C only) will remain open until 11:59PM  Monday, July 2, 2018.  Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Your credit card statement will reflect a charge from ClubAssistant.com. No Refunds will be granted due to cancellation of race due to weather and/or water conditions.

To comply with safety plan, race day registration will NOT be available.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

FUNDRAISING:  Please make every attempt to fundraise as we have lined up a great charitable cause that needs your financial support!  Donations are at swimmers' discretion, from $5.00 to $500+.  We are raising funds for  HOSPICE Care Network Children and Family Bereavement program.  Make donation checks payable to St. Frances Sports Inc. 501C(3) NON PROFIT Organization and mail to:  53 Degnon Blvd, Bay Shore, NY 11706.

DIRECTIONS:  THERE ARE TWO FERRY OPTIONS SO PLEASE SELECT THE ONE THAT IS MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOU.

1) IF YOU ARE DRIVING AND WILL NEED TO PARK YOUR CAR:
We have scheduled a special ferry for pick up at the Bay Shore Marina at promptly 9:20am!   Fire Island Ferries will be picking up our swimmers at the CLINTON AVE FERRY DOCK located at the Bay Shore Marina South of Montauk HWY all the way down to end.  150 Clinton Ave Bay Shore NY 11706 Phone 631-665-3600. It is approx. $8 for parking (Cash Only).  When you enter into the parking area keep the bay to your right all the way down to end.  Park by Nicky’s on The Bay Restaurant.  Ferry leaves right from there.  We will have volunteers there to answer any questions.  Ferries leave on schedule so please DON'T BE LATE.  Give yourself plenty of time to make this ferry!!!

Find directions to Fire Island Ferry at http://www.fireislandferries.com/ with info about Fire Island at http://www.theislips.com/atlantique.php.  NOTE: You can take the 7am Ferry to Ocean Beach from the MAIN TERMINAL (Maple Ave) that will make a special stop at Atlantique Beach the day of our swim….  It will give you more time to relax and prepare for the event.

2) IF YOU ARE GETTING DROPPED OFF OR TAKING LIRR TO BAY SHORE:
There is a scheduled 9:10am from the MAIN TERMINAL in Bay Shore: 99 Maple Ave, Bay Shore, 11706:  www.fireislandferries.com/schedules/dunewoodatlantique/
The Clinton Ferry Dock is more convenient for those driving and wanting to park your car.  It is cheaper and easier to park.  DON'T BE LATE.  Give yourself plenty of time to make this ferry!!!

RETURN FERRY: There will be a 3:30pm and 5:30pm ferry that leaves Atlantique FI and will bring you right back to your car at the Bay Shore Marina/Clinton Ferry Terminal as well as the Main Terminal.

BY PRIVATE BOAT: Atlantique docking is available on a first-come first-served basis. The dock master monitors VHF Ch. 9 or you can call the dock master’s office 631-767-0234. There is anchorage on either side of the marina so you can anchor out if you like. This will save on fees and give you more privacy.

PLACES TO STAY:
Fire Island is a beautiful seasonal resort destination.  Ocean Beach is the metropolis of Fire Island and is located only 1 mile east of Atlantique beach.  Ocean Beach has a number of great restaurants like Maguires on the Bay, as well as retail shops, bars, and hotels.  Atlantique is an easy walk on the beach – just head west 1 mile (ocean side) or you can take a quick water taxi: Fire Island Water Taxi call 631-665-8885.  If you plan on staying at Ocean Beach, book it early as hotels fill up quickly! Hotels in Ocean Beach include Housers Hideaway, The Palms Hotel Fire Island, Cleggs Hotel, etc.   Make sure you select hotels in Ocean Beach!

Note: If paying by credit card, your credit card statement will reflect a charge from "ClubAssistant.com Events."