Safety and Time Guidelines Page

Safety Information

(This information has not been updated yet to reflect an COVID-19 safety protocols that will be required for this event. Please be prepared for COVID-19 safety procedures that may be in place such as mask wearing at the event (except immediately before and after your swim) and social distancing when possible. Although there are not any known vaccination requirements at this time for this size of an event (<500 people), we recommend all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.)

The primary goal of the Fat Salmon Open Water Swim race is to create a safe and rewarding swimming experience for all who choose to participate. Open water swimming events involve a substantial amount of risk, including risk of death, therefore safety is our number one concern.

It is absolutely imperative that each individual be responsible for him or herself. As organizers, we are running a small event with limited funds and we cannot be solely responsible for your personal safety. A limited amount of support craft will accompany competitors over the course. As a participant of this race, you agree to assume the risks of open water swimming and agree to be individually responsible for your own person and safety during the race.

This is a USMS-sanctioned race. As organizers, we are making NO evaluation of your physical conditioning. You participate at your own risk. If you cannot swim in cold water (approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit) for two hours, you should NOT participate in this race. Your participation is voluntary. We are not responsible for your safety. We cannot guarantee that all boat traffic will be stopped. If any athlete does not want to participate in this race, you may request to leave the race at any time and we’ll get you onto a boat. Death, hypothermia, and mutilation (i.e. from a boat propeller) are all risks.

Anytime an event involves immersion in cold water for any period of time there is a substantial risk of exposure to hypothermia and drowning among other risks, some of which are stated above. Therefore participants are required to sign a waiver removing all responsibility of the organizing entities and persons, and representing that the competitor will be able to complete the event without any assistance from any other person or flotation device. If you do not agree with these terms and the event waiver, DO NOT participate in this event.

PARTICIPANTS OF THE FAT SALMON OPEN WATER SWIM AGREE TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH RACE INFORMATION AND RACE COURSE PRIOR TO RACE DAY.

When and If You Have a Problem in the Water

Raise your arm above your head and shout to alert another swimmer, or lifeguard, or someone in a kayak or motor boat. Tell them immediately that you are having trouble. If you have any concern about your safety or your ability to complete this event, please do not participate.

Time Guidelines

3.2 mile race participants should be able to swim 5,000 yards freestyle in less than:

  • 1 hour and 45 minutes in a pool, and

  • 2 hours in open water conditions

Participants who are not on TARGET to finish the 3.2 mile swim in 2 hours, will be pulled from the water at the discretion of the Race Director & Safety Official - no questions asked.

If you are not comfortable swimming this distance, there are usually other local races that provide 1/2, 1, and 2-mile distance races. You can find more information about those races on the Pacific Northwest Aquatics (PNA) website.