24-Hour Swim Relay

Resources

Relay Resources

Whether you are a returning veteran or a newbie, check out our tips for a fun and safe relay

BASIC RULES:

  • Each swimmer must tag in and tag out verbally to the dock crew. 
  • One swimmer from your team must be in the water at all times during the 24-hour period. Swimmer does not get to leave the water until after he/she is tagged out. 
  • Swimmers will be marked by a letter & number on your arm. Alert (yell) to dock crew your number as you begin and end your swim; this is how we keep track of who’s in the water.
    • Ex: “D1 getting wet!” for the swimmer tagging into the water & “D4 getting dry!” for the swimmer getting out.
  •  This is a friendly activity, not a race or competition. Your team captain will set your rotation and time in the water. If you want to swim longer or shorter, arrange it with them ahead of time.
  • DON’T LEAVE teammates hanging IN THE COLD! Know your swim times and check your watch. Be on deck at least 5 mins before relieving your teammate. Be on the beach with your toes in the water as the preceding swimmer approaches the dock. This is especially crucial at night.
  • Know when your next turn is before you go down for a nap or if you are going offsite. Inform your teammates of your whereabouts. Set your alarm. Have your phone and ringer on. Have a back-up plan for a teammate to wake you up if you are not at the beach by a certain time. 
  • Please make room in showers and sauna for cold swimmers just coming in. When it’s you, you will appreciate it.

CHORES:

There will be chores. In addition to cleaning and picking up after ourselves, be prepared to help out in the kitchen, at the dock, in the water, and whatever/wherever else needs tending, including mopping locker room floors and emptying trash. Whatever it is we are asked to do, please do it with a smile. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • Your own hydrating vessel — cup/thermos/water bottle, whatever you need for drinking cold or warm fluids. This will help minimize trash.
  • Multiple swimsuits. Your swimsuit may not fully dry between swims, and who wants to put on a wet one?
  • Multiple towels. Ditto.
  • Blinkie light or glow sticks. For night swimming.
  • Snacks and two meals (Friday after registration & Saturday night) will be provided but be sure to bring your own food if you have special dietary requirements  (vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian/low-carb/high-fat/gluten-free) or food allergies.
  • Sense of humor. As the day wears on and fatigue sets in, your love of swimming and your team mates will be tested. “Whose great idea was this” is a common question at 1 a.m.. The answer to that question is “MINE. This was MY idea.”
  • Kindness. Sleep deprivation, combined with cold can challenge friendships. Be kind to each other. 

What’s it really like? Here’s what it was like in 2016.