About the Derwent River Big Swim^TM

Listed escort pilots and their boats are neither commercially nor financially connected to the Derwent River Big Swim. Therefore, you must book a “swim window” with them.  Payment is between you and the escort pilot.

It is not always possible to decide for yourself when one’s swim starts. Here you will have to trust the people in charge on the escort boat. As the Derwent River Big Swim offers many complicated weather and sea conditions, there are many factors to consider. This means the pilot keeps a close eye on these factors so that you have the greatest chance of success of your swim.

When you book your escort pilot, you will be assigned a specific day to swim. You can swim 2 days before or 2 days after the assigned day. This becomes your "swimming window".  

Which day you swim in your window depends on weather and river conditions. Therefore, you must be patient, as the weather is the only thing that cannot be changed. Fortunately, this can also mean that you will be able to swim in the agreed window.

• If your life or other peoples’ lives are in danger
• Unexpected weather and current conditions that make the swim impossible
• Break down or mechanical failure on the boat’s engine
• TasPorts has communicated right of way with your pilot during your swim
• Emergency event on the water

As a swimmer, you must be aware of the risks and responsibilities associated with marathon swimming. You should not attempt swimming in open water without being fully aware of the risks that may be associated with your own survival, and therefore marathon swimming requires full commitment.

The main risks associated with marathon swimming include: hypothermia, inadequate training, overconfidence, inexperience, inadequate preparation and lack of understanding of the challenge being undertaken. It is absolutely necessary to train yourself well before committing to marathon swimming. Both physical and mental training are very important.

The responsibility for your safety lies with you. If you are not ready to swim, do not risk your life or health. It is better to wait and make a new plan for your swim

It cannot be repeated enough how important it is to swim outdoors. There is a big difference between lying in the comfort of the swimming pool’s square basin, where the water is warm and controlled, and feeling the forces of nature when you are in the sea, where salt water, currents and waves wash over you. In addition, our bodies react and perform differently when exposed to the large temperature differences that are indoors and outdoors. It takes time for the body to get used to the differences.

The distance is approx. 34-kilometres, equivalent of 21.12 nautical miles

You start your swim from New Norfolk Bridge New Norfolk and complete your swim once you have swum under the Tasman Bridge Hobart.

November until March are the best months for swimming. The average water temperature in these months is 16- 20 degrees Celsius.

Calculating an expected swimming time is an almost impossible task. There are several factors that come into play, such as the weather, the current, the waves, your stamina and your swimming speed on the day. A swim can last anywhere from 6 hours until 12 hours.

When the crossing starts depends on the many weather and sea conditions. Therefore, the final call will come from your pilot on the escort boat.

Make sure you have at least one person who can travel with you during the given period. It is important that there is at least one support person on the boat during the crossing, regardless of whether you are swimming solo or in a group.. The support person must take care of the swimmer’s well-being, energy intake and other various needs.

In addition to the fixed costs, the price depends mainly on your own personal preferences. Therefore, it is impossible to set exact prices, but below is a list of expenses you should take into account when budgetting:

• Registration with the Derwent River Big Swim.
• Escort boat with crew – See the section ’PILOTS’.
• Return flight to and from Tasmania
• Sleepover
• Transportation
• Food and drinks
• Other entertainment or experiences while you wait
• Contingencies