The Derwent River Big Swim recognises and supports the participation of blind and vision-impaired swimmers. All swims must comply with the principles of unassisted marathon swimming.
Assistance is permitted for safety and navigation only and must not provide propulsion, pacing, or any unfair advantage.
All swims must be completed solely under the swimmer’s own power. The swimmer may be guided but never assisted forward.
Swimmers may receive audible communication from their escort, which can be delivered via audible signals, such as a whistle, or verbal cues delivered via an earpiece.
If an earpiece is used, it can only be used to provide course correction, hazard awareness and notification of approaching feeds or finish.
Except during feeds, it cannot be used to provide coaching or pacing assistance. At no point can it be used for any other purposes, such as listening to music.
Swimmers may have a support swimmer to assist with navigation, accompanying them via a tether. The support swimmer must remain behind the main swimmer at all times.
If there is only one support swimmer who completes the full swim alongside the main swimmer, and that support swimmer adheres to all standard DRBS rules, both swimmers will be credited with completing the Derwent River Big Swim as a tandem swim.
If there is more than one support swimmer, they may rotate at an interval of their choosing. During the changeover of the tether, they must at no point touch the main swimmer.
If there are multiple support swimmers, the main swimmer will be credited with completing the Derwent River Big Swim as a solo swim.
Vision-impaired swimmers are subject to enhanced safety protocols:
Additional measures may include:
The Pilot and appointed Observer retain the right to interpret these rules to ensure:
Start your journey on the Derwent River. Each swim is a personal test of endurance, strength, and connection to one of Australia’s most beautiful waterways.
