The safety of our participants is our priority. Our event management includes the following protocols and processes.
On-Water Safety
On-water safety is coordinated by the Busselton Surf Life Saving Club with assistance from other surf life-saving clubs.
Surf Life Saving (SLS) have jet skis, IRB’s, surf skis, board paddlers, spotters on the jetty, life-saving equipment and radio communications.
They are highly trained for this role and are your first option if you need help in the water. Raise your arm to attract attention.
Follow the yellow buoys and keep a safe distance away from the Jetty. If you stray too far off course SLS will guide you back.
Tired swimmers may hang on to a ski or a float. You will not be disqualified unless your forward progress is aided.
Swimmers or support craft are not permitted to go under any part of the Jetty unless directed by race officials.
Participants and spectators may not swim or stand in the cordoned off area near the finish line that is needed for essential Surf Life Saving personnel and equipment.
All vessels in the vicinity of the event must comply with and abide by the Navigable Waters Regulations. Race officials will enforce and police these regulations as part of the overall safety provisions for the Event. Unauthorised craft may not enter the swim exclusion zone (within 250m of the Jetty).
This event has been granted a part exemption from these regulations for bona fide support craft only.
Aerial Patrol
Prior to and during Sunday’s events, an aerial patrol is undertaken to monitor for large marine species. The helicopter pilot and spotter are in continuous radio contact with the SLS Water Safety Coordinator and Race Director.
Please note that whilst water safety provisions are made for Saturday’s events (500m, Team & Kids Swim), the helicopter patrols are not in place on this day.
Evacuation
Should the water need to be evacuated, several emergency evacuation signals will activated:
- 3 short air horn blasts
- Red flags will be raised by spotters on the jetty; and
- continuous whistles by surf ski paddlers.
If you see or hear any of these signals, please exit the swim as directed by SLS personnel.
There are ladders every 75m along the Jetty marked with banner flags. These flags are numbered to assist with evacuation and emergency responses.
Landings are marked by large pink buoys. Please follow directions given by the SLS officers on the water or via the public address system on land.
The emergency muster point is near the stage in the grass amphitheatre, adjacent to Shelter Brewery.
Personal Support Craft
If you feel you have a special need requiring your own support or provisions, prior written permission from the Organisation must be obtained. This request must be made as part of your online entry under ‘special needs’.
Support paddlers must be pre-approved and are required to attend the SLS briefing and wear the hi-viz vest provided. All support paddlers must see event officials at check in.
An exclusion zone will be in effect under control of the Department of Transport. Paddlers breaching the exclusion zone may be subject to cautions or fines.
Stingers
Concerned swimmers should be prepared and take personal measures for protection.
Preventative measures include wearing a stinger suit or rash vest and applying protective lotion.
If stung, please attend a first aid station or seek advice from a Surf Life Saver.
First Aid
If you need help please attend the first aid posts adjacent to the Recovery area and at the base of the jetty.
Fluid & Energy Replacement
Water and fresh fruit are available at the finish.
Sun
Please use sunscreen, which is available at the first aid tent. Wear hats, cover up and seek shade.
Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs
The Busselton Jetty Swim is a non-smoking, alcohol and drug-free event. this includes vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.
Personal Responsibility
This is an ocean swim and you will swim in an uncontrolled, natural environment. The weather, sea conditions and sea life, your own exertions and numerous other factors all introduce an element of risk. The organisers go to considerable lengths to keep you safe but ultimately it is your choice to swim. Your welfare is your personal responsibility or the responsibility of your legal guardian.
If you are not officially entered in Busselton Jetty Swim please do not swim while the event is in progress.
For Further Information
Please ask one of the event crew in the Green Crew T-shirts.
