Worcester Triathlon Club – Open Water Swimming at Arrow Valley Lake

Terms and Conditions for Booking and Participation

1. Assumption of Risk

• Participation in open water swimming is entirely at the participant's own risk.
• Open water swimming involves inherent risks, including, but not limited to, cold water shock, drowning, infection, and collision with other swimmers or natural hazards.
• Worcester Triathlon Club and its volunteers, marshals, or safety personnel do not accept liability for any injury, illness, or loss sustained during or as a result of participation.

2. Eligibility and Health Requirements

• All participants must be competent swimmers with experience in open water or have undertaken appropriate training.
• Participants must not enter the water with any open wounds, sores, or skin infections, as these increase the risk of infection to both the swimmer and others.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhoea) within the past 48 hours should not attend the session.

3. Safety and Compliance

• Participants must obey all instructions from designated water safety personnel, marshals, or Club organisers at all times.
• Swimmers must follow a clockwise direction along the marked 400m loop course or the 200m half-loop, depending on their ability or preference.
• In the event of difficulty, swimmers must lie on their back and raise one arm to attract attention from water safety personnel, or if near the shore, swim to the water's edge and stand if possible.
• All swimmers must wear a bright-coloured swim cap for visibility and safety.
• Swimming is permitted only within the designated area and scheduled session times.
• Participants must check in and out with the organiser to ensure accurate tracking of all swimmers.

4. Equipment and Wetsuit Guidance

• All swimmers must wear appropriate swimwear. Wetsuits are strongly advised, and may be mandatory depending on water temperature, in accordance with British Triathlon guidance:
• - Below 13°C: Wetsuits mandatory
• - 13°C–15.9°C: Wetsuits strongly recommended
• - 16°C–22°C: Wetsuits optional
• - Above 22°C: Wetsuits not recommended, though permitted for training
• It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure all gear is suitable for open water use and in good working condition.

5. Hygiene and Post-Swim Protocols

• Swimmers are strongly advised to shower with soap immediately after swimming to reduce the risk of waterborne illness (e.g., leptospirosis or gastrointestinal infections).
• All equipment, including wetsuits and swim caps, should be rinsed and dried after use to maintain hygiene and prevent degradation.

6. Booking and Attendance

• All sessions must be pre-booked via the Club's official booking system. No walk-ins are permitted.
• Participants must arrive on time and ensure they are properly checked in before entering the water.
• If unable to attend, participants must cancel in advance to allow others access and maintain accurate attendance records.

7. Behaviour and Conduct

• All participants must treat Club officials, safety crew, fellow swimmers, and members of the public with respect and courtesy.
• Swimmers suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be refused participation and may be barred from future sessions.

8. Photography and Media

• The Club may capture photographs or video during sessions for promotional or archival purposes. Participants who do not wish to be included must notify organisers prior to the session.

9. Personal Belongings

• Participants are responsible for their own belongings. The Club accepts no liability for any loss or damage to personal items brought to the venue.

10. Amendments and Acceptance

• These Terms and Conditions are subject to periodic updates. The latest version will be made available through the Club’s website and booking platform.
• By attending a session, the participant confirms they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.

Worcester Triathlon Club reserves the right to deny entry or remove any swimmer from a session for non-compliance.

See https://worcestertriclub.co.uk/ for T&C