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Saturday 19th May 2012 10am start
Last updated 17/05/12.
Water temperature on
16/05/12 was 11.5C. Which means that the swim is still on. However as
with any event the final decision can only be made immediately prior
to the event taking place. If the temperature remains above 11C then
the swim will not be cancelled
on the grounds of cold water. This temperature is right on the suggested
limit. If it were a triathlon a 1500m swim would be advised against
but in triathlons you also have to consider the air temperature for
the cycle and run elements following a cold swim.
My advice is to have
plenty of dry warm clothing that you can change into immediately afterwards.
There are no changing facilities in the park so the more modest should
bring a large towel and a good friend .I would also take a hot drink
in a flask. If you only have a shortie type wetsuit I would also beg
steal or borrow (or buy/hire from A1 Multisports) a proper swimming
wetsuit.
Welcome to the second Keswick Mountain
Festival Derwent Island Swim. There was a swim event as part of the
Mountain Festival in 2010 but it did not circumnavigate Derwent Island.
This a non- competitive event however I am sure that most will have
more than a casual interest in their recorded times. For those that
want to go as fast as they can and set what will be an event record
crack on, however if you know that you no torpedo and simply just want
to experience an organised swim in your own time then that is just fine.
Our primary objective is for everyone to have a safe enjoyable and satisfying
swim at whatever your level of ability.
Venue:- Crow Park, Keswick opposite The Theatre By
The Lake, CA12 5DJ. This will be the Mountain Festival main Adventure
Base where there will be lots happening throughout the weekend. Visit
www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk for full details.
Car Parking There is a local authority pay and display car park next
to the theatre however it fills very quickly and will cost £7
to park all day. Car parking has been arranged by the Mountain Festival
for parking at Keswick Rugby Club, Crow Park Road, CA12 5EG. This will
cost £3 for the day or £5 for a weekend ticket from Friday
lunchtime until Sunday evening. It is a five minute walk from the rugby
club via the rear entrance to Crow Park to the registration marquee.
Do not park on any of the grass verges around Lake Road, many did last
year and they all got fixed penalty notices.
Registration:- Will be in the TriHard marquee situated
near to the fenced of triathlon transition area. Registration will be
open from 08.00 - 09.30 on Saturday morning. Early arrival will be particularly
welcome. At registration you will be issued with a swim cap if you need
one, a timing chip and an ankle strap on which you attach your timing
chip. I would advise fitting the timing chip as soon as you get is to
avoid arriving at the start without it. The triathlon transition area
will be available to store any bags etc while you are swimming. The
racking in the transition is numbered; leave your bags at the racking
space with your number on it. Do not leave any items of value.
Briefing:- There will be briefing in front of the TriHard
marquee at 09.40.
Swim Start::- Because
of the very low water level it now looks likely that we will have to
use our second choice start/finish location which is on a stony beach
350m further along Lake Road beyond the theatre and boat landings. I
would advise flip flops or similar for the walk from and back to Crow
Park. There will be blue timing mat on the water’s edge. When
you step on this mat your time has started, in fact don’t go within
a meter or so of the mat until you intend to start as it may read your
timing chip from this distance.
You can choose your own start time between 10.00 and 10.15. If you think
you can swim 1500m in less than 30 minutes can you start nearer to 10.00,
if you think you may take longer than 30 minutes can you start nearer
to 10.15 please? On Thursday 12th May when I swam the course the water
temperature was 12C, chilly but not numbing, you will probably want
to send a few minutes acclimatising before starting. Can you warm up
in the area between the start and the boat landings avoiding the start
area and the route to the first buoy.
Safety:- • Under foot hazard. The start/finish
area is a stony beach. The area has been checked and will be checked
again before Saturday, however we cannot guarantee that there are no
sharp underfoot objects. There will be mats in the water after the start
mat which will also be the exit. I would avoid putting too your feet
on the bottom as much as possible. When you come to the finish, swim
as far as you can before grounding.
• Rescue procedure. You will be wearing a wetsuit
so it is pretty much impossible to sink. If you are not used to swimming
in cold water it may take a few minutes to acclimatise. You could find
yourself running out of oxygen faster than normal. If this happens take
the Prime Minister’s advice and ‘calm down dear’.
Just stop, get your breathing sorted and carry on. There will be kayaks
all around the course and a rescue boat patrolling on either side of
the island. If you get into difficulty and need to get out look for
the nearest kayak and wave an arm towards it. It will then come to you,
take hold of its bow (front) the paddler with then either call for a
rescue launch or tow you to the shore. Do not try to climb onto the
kayak.
• There will be First aid cover and an ambulance on standby.
Your Time. Will be available for viewing on the screen back at the TriHard
marquee in Crow Park. You will also be able to get a print out of your
time here.
Timing Chips and straps are expensive and difficult to replace. They
are also required for another event the following weekend. There will
be someone collecting them from you as soon as you cross the finish
mat. If you do manage to escape with your chip we will be pursuing you
for it and will invoice you for £20 for any that do not return.
It is more secure if worn around your ankle under your wetsuit.
Post Event:- We are
hoping to arrange for changing and showering facilities at the rugby
club. This has not been finalised yet.
Most importantly have a great day….
Rob Wilkins, Derwent Island Swim Director
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Video of the event
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by:-
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