Terms and  Conditions

Conditions of Entry (Ts and Cs)

In these terms and conditions, RLSS Poole Lifeguard are also referred to as the “event organisers”, swimmers are also be referred to as “you”.  These terms and conditions apply to all participants who register to take part  in the Brownsea Swim (both half and full distance). We reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time by posting changes online.  If you are in any way unsure on any aspect of the content below, please contact us at info@brownseaswim.org.uk . By entering the Brownsea Swim Event, you understand and agree to terms and conditions stated below. If you disagree with any of the below terms then please do not enter. 

1. GENERAL

1.1 You agree to receive emails and text messages  with details of the event, your emails will not be passed onto third parties unless requested.

1.2 When you submit your swim entry form and pay for your place on the Brownsea Island swim , you hereby agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.  

1.3 All swim entry places are non-transferable and non-refundable. Places cannot be deferred into a future swim.

1.4 You must be 18 years old (or older) on the day of the swim.

1.5 The Safety Officer and his/her Safety Crew has the right to remove swimmers from the water at any time from the start of the swim on grounds of safety.

1.6 You are responsible for reading the details and description regarding the event provided by the event organisers.

1.7  You must abide by all rules and safety directions that may be notified to you by the event organisers, marshals or safety team at any point leading up to or on-the-day of the event.

1.8 We expect all swimmers to show courtesy and respect to all swimmers, volunteers (our Marshals, our Safety  Team,  John Lewis staff and guests, National Trust staff and volunteers as well as the Brownsea Ferry crews , both on the day of the swim and in all online communications and forums. Please remember this swim is run and staffed entirely by volunteers who pull the event together in their spare time. If you behave in any manner which is, in the event organiser’s opinion, poor sportsmanship or a risk to the safety of anyone involved in the swim this may result in you being disqualified and possibly barred from entering future swims.

1.9 Spectators are NOT ALLOWED on to the Finish Beach. This is Private Property and belongs to the Brownsea Castle. Failure to comply with this will jeopardise the use of this facility and therefore the event in future years.

1.10  This event is not linked or held under the British Long Distance Swimming Association, the British Swimming & Amateur Swimming Association or the Channel Swimming Association Ltd rules. It is not a qualifying swim for any of these Associations.

2. CANCELLATION POLICY

2.1 RLSS Poole Lifeguard (Event 0rganisers) reserves the right for whatever the reason to cancel or vary all or any part of the event before and /or during the event.

2.2 In the event of a cancellation that is beyond the control of the event organisers, such as adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases, sea state and water quality, where practicably possible, attempts will be made to reschedule the event and entries will be automatically transferred in the same  calendar  year.

2.2.1  If the swim is cancelled by the event organisers, and an alternative date in the same calendar year is not achievable , then swimmers will be offered a priority entry to the next years swim. Should this happen the priority swimmers will need to pay the full entry fee for the following year's swim.

2.2.2 Where an event can not be rescheduled committed suppliers and contractors will be paid and remaining funds will be offered as partial refunds. Swimmers will have the choice to accept the partial refund or donate to RLSS Poole Lifeguard charity. 

2.2.3 Where an event is not fully cancelled or rescheduled and the participant chooses not to race, they will not be entitled to a refund.

3. SWIM ENTRIES

3.1 It is your responsibility to complete  the information requested on the swim entry form accurately. The event organisers accept no responsibility for misleading or missing information submitted on these forms.

3.2 By completing the registration process on the morning of the swim, you declare yourself to be both healthy enough and physically able to complete the category/challenge that you have entered: without presenting undue risk to yourself, your fellow swimmers or any members of the event marshals / safety team.

3.3 You also accept responsibility for any personal belongings that you take to the Island.

3.4 As an entrant, you are also reminded that you have a choice on the day of the swim as to whether you enter the water or not, and that you do so at your own risk. 

3.5 RLSS Poole Lifeguard and our associates undertake to provide safety cover for the event and will do so in an organised, safe and controlled manner.

4. MEDICAL DECLARATION

4.1 You are responsible for ensuring that you have taken your own medical advice, and that you are medically fit and healthy and have undertaken appropriate training and preparation.

4.2. Any medical conditions that may affect you while swimming (e.g. asthma) must be declared on your swim entry form. If you have any changes in your medical condition after submitting you entry form, the organisers must be informed immediately. Failure to disclose medical details (or changes in conditions) may result in you not being able to participate in the swim.

4.3. At the swim entry registration desk, the event organisers will ask you to check a copy of the swim entry information you provided. If you need to update your emergency contact details it can be done on these forms (on the day of the swim). 

5. PHOTO ID FOR ON-THE-DAY REGISTRATION

5.1. All swimmers will be asked to bring Photo ID to the registration desk on the day of the swim.  Your photo ID must match your family name and date of birth. The event organisers will be running random photo ID spot checks at the registration desk on the morning of the swim. Failure to produce photo ID that matches your family name and date of birth on your swim entry form may result in you not being able to participate in the swim.

5.2. If the name on your photo ID name changes after you submit your swim entry information, please use the contact us form on the website to let us know about the name change. This must be done ahead of the event (and please give us as much notice as you can).

5.3 Shortened/alternative first names are acceptable on the ballot and swim entry forms; but the family name and date of birth you use in the ballot application must match your photo ID.

6. DE-REGISTRATION

6.1 All swimmers must complete the de-registration process as advised by the event organisers. Failure to complete the de-registration process may result in you being barred from the future swims. 

7. CATEGORY CHANGES

7.1. After all swimmers have completed their swim entry forms, you will be asked to confirm your category and distance selected. We will ask all swimmers to notify us of any inaccuracies or category changes within a one week period. After this deadline no further category changes are possible. 

7.2. No category changes will be accepted on the day of the swim.

8. DATA AND IMAGES 

8.1 You agree to photographs and video being taken at the event and that any images of you may be used by the event organisers in any media regarding the event and to market and advertise the event or any other similar events   

 8.2 By registering you are agreeing to any data provided being used by the event organisers to contact you regarding the swim. 

8.3  The event organisers will not share this information with any other organisations or use it for any other purposes.   

9. CHARITY 

9.1 If you are raising funds for charity with your place on the swim we ask that you share this information with us (as we keep track of the swim's overall charitable contribution). Further information on how to do this will be provided in the event information pack.

 10. DISCLAIMER

10.1 You declare that you are aware of the risks inherent with open water swimming and that you are able to swim in open water in varying conditions and are confident in your ability to complete the distance required.

10.2 You undertake to train and take part in this event at your own risk and hereby waive any and all rights to claim for loss or damages against RLSS Poole Lifeguard or individuals officiating, organising or supervising the Brownsea Island Swim arising out of your participation in the event, for any injury (including death), illness, and accident to your  person, or loss of property resulting from any cause whatsoever.