6.1 Loading the boat
The swim organization will confirm the time that the crew and swimmer are to arrive at the swim start but assume it’s at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time. It will be earlier if the swim organization intends to hold their safety briefing just before getting on the boat instead of in the weeks leading up to the swim.
The crew is responsible for bringing the gear and supplies down to the dock, loading them on to the boat (and kayak, if using), and organizing the crew’s space on the deck. The crew should prioritize getting a feed station ready first as the swimmer will need a feed shortly after the swim starts, likely within the first hour. The rest of the gear can be organized after the swim gets underway if needed. Be sure to put things AWAY from the edge of any gates that open or low railings so that nothing gets knocked over into the water accidentally. If the swimmer will be feeding off the boat, clip the feed line to the boat railing right away, so it doesn’t slip out of your hands and into the water on the first feed. There’s no going back once things get underway!
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The swimmer may want to remain seated in the car to stay warm, they’re probably excited but nervous at this point too and focused on staying calm. The swimmer should have their "before bag" with them that contains everything they need for the hour prior to the swim start.​ If time is running short at the swim start, the crew chief can focus on loading and organizing things on the boat while another crew member gets the swimmer ready to start.
6.2 Getting the swimmer ready to start
About 20-30 minutes before the scheduled start time, grab the swimmer's "before bag" and start getting them ready to start:​​
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Tell the swimmer to remove their clothing and shoes, and to put on their cap and goggles.
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Put on the gloves and apply zinc oxide to the swimmer’s body, they will tell you where and how much to use - the illustration to the right is a good guide, see orange shading. If using bag balm or vaseline, apply it to bathing suit straps and any other chafe spots - see blue shading. There’s a hand towel in the swimmer’s before bag if things get messy. DO NOT get the zinc oxide or the bag balm/vaseline on the swimmer’s hands or goggles, it will make a mess later when they start touching stuff and if they get it on their goggles, they won’t be able to see a thing when swimming.
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Give the swimmer any medications they intend to take before getting into the water.
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Check the swimmer has the essentials – bathing suit with light on, goggles with light on, cap, earplugs.
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Remind the swimmer they are awesome and wish them luck!
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Place all other items in the swimmer’s "before bag" and tuck it away near/in their "after bag".
The ​swim start can be a chaotic time and it's easy to forget something - try to remember: ZINC, MEDS, LIGHTS!
Nadine Bennett, Willoughby 4-Way 2025
Shannon House Keegan, In Search of Memphre Double 2025
6.3 Off you go!
The swim organization will confirm how the official “go!” signal will be given to the swimmer to let them know they may enter the water - it could be the boat horn sounding, a light with a strobe flashing a few times, etc. The observer will start a timer and keep it running throughout the swim, the crew should start one too to track the official time as the swim progresses.
Once the signal is given and the timer started, the swim is officially underway...​
Justine Brousseau, English Channel 2022
SWIM COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS - PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Justine Brousseau, Catalina Channel 2021
Add your own ideas, photos and videos! Send me an email at wildbigswim@gmail.com