FAQ

What is the age restriction for this event?

Participants must be 14 years or over on the day of the event to enter the 1/2 mile swim. For the 1 mile and 5km swim participants need to be 18 years old or over.The Little Fish event will cater for 11-13 years olds and the Fun Splash and Dash will be for children between 7-10 years old.

What happens if the race is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?

Due to the nature of open water swimming, the i3 Swim may be cancelled/postponed prior to or on the day of the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
If the event cannot be postponed then your full entry fee will be refunded on request – this does not include wetsuit, travel or accommodation costs incurred.
Announcements of any cancellation/postponement will be via text on the mobile number provided on the application form, email, on the i3 Swim website and social media pages, and on local radio stations. Please make sure you enter a valid mobile and email address on your application.

Start times for the race

The start times for each event
1/2 Mile – 10:00am Saturday 17th
1 mile – 11:30pm Saturday 17th
5km – 12.30 pm Sunday 18th

Should I wear a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are not compulsory but can provide extra buoyancy, warmth and may help you swim a little faster.

What type of wetsuit should I wear?

We recommend you use a well fitted specific wetsuit, wetsuits designed for triathlons would be the best option.
Triathlon wetsuits are made from a more flexible neoprene that allows you to swim normally whilst helping to insulate the body against the colder water.
It is more important that whatever wetsuit you decide to wear it fits well. Otherwise rather than help it can hinder your swim. It should be snug when you put in on, so the water is trapped next to your body to warm you up. It should not be loose fitting, so the water flows through it, as this will not warm you up and could restrict your swimming. Make sure you try the wetsuit out before event day.

Non Wetsuit rules

Swimmers are permitted to wear one silicone or latex cap and one porous swim suit, not designed to retain body heat (no neoprene) or aid in buoyancy. No wetsuits are allowed. Coverage of the suit does not extend over the shoulder or knee. Acceptable styles of suits include women’s tank suits and men’s briefs or above-the-knee jammers. Lycra, endurance fabrics, and fast skins are acceptable.

Transport for the races

The 1 mile start and finish points are 300 metres apart so there will be no need for transport. The 5 km swimmers will be transported from the finish line to the start so you will be swimming back to your dry clothes, warm showers and cars which can be parked in Ballina

Is there a cut-off time on the swim?

The cut off time for the 1/2 mile swim will be approximately 45 minutes and the 1 mile approximately 80 minutes. As long as the swimmers are in good shape and making progress we will be flexible on this as we want as many people as possible to complete their goal. Our water safety team will use their discretion in these cases but saftey will be paramount. The cut off for the 5km will be 3 hours.

How are support boats distributed throughout the route?

The boats will be distributed along each course to guide the swimmers around the course and sweep behind each wave to pay close attention to the weaker swimmers. It is anticipated that at no stage should a swimmer be further than 50km from a kayak or rescue craft.

Have you any tips for hydration before getting in the water?

Drink and electrolyte drink or energy drink before the race, approx. 1 litre. Make sure you have practiced this in training and that it agrees with our stomach and doesn’t cause cramps or any other problems. This varies from person to person so practice is highly recommended to find the right solution.