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XVII Latvia Open Winter Swimming Championship

November 23, 2024

Supporters

 
 

REGULATION

1. Purpose and Mission

To gather together Latvian and international winter swimmers, continuing an annual tradition. To promote winter swimming, body hardening, and the creation of new groups or clubs.

Determine the best individual swimmers and swimmers of the winter swimming clubs of Latvia. Any winter swimmer from any country can participate at the championship.

2. Time and Place

The Championship will be held on the 23rd of November, 2024 at 12.00 – Liepaja, Beberliņi (Lībiešu Street 8).

3. Management

The winter swimming championship is organized with the support of the municipality of Liepāja by the Liepaja bicycle activists and winter swimmers club “VeloRonis” in cooperation with the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA).

4. Distances

  • 1. Distance. 25 m breaststroke with time control, in 10 age groups (A1-I), separate categories for women and men;
  • 2. Distance. 25 m freestyle with time control, in 10 age groups (A1-I), separate categories for women and men;
  • 3. Distance. 25 m butterfly stroke with time control, in 10 age groups (A1-I), separate categories for women and men;
  • 4. Distance. 50 m freestyle with time control, in 10 age groups (A1-I), separate categories for women and men;
  • 5. Distance. 100 m breaststroke “Head-Up” in 10 age groups (A1-I2), separate categories for women and men;
  • 6. Distance. 200 m freestyle in 6 age groups (B-G), separate categories for women and men;
  • 7. Distance. 450 m freestyle in 6 age groups (B-G), separate categories for women and men;
  • 8. Club team relay: 4 x 25 m, in age groups S1 (up to 150 years total), S2 (151+ total);
  • 9. Distance. “Young Seals” – immersion in water;
  • 10. Distance. “Seals” – swim up to 50 m without time control.

5. Agenda

November 22

  • 17:00 – 20:00: Card pickup for pre-registered participants, as well as new registration and payment in person at the hotel “Līva,” Lielā Street 11, Liepāja

November 23

  • 10:00: Opening of the championship office
  • 10:00 – 11:00: Registration of participant applications
  • 12:00 – 12:30: Opening ceremony, announcements, warm-up
  • 12:30 – 13:10: Distance 1 – 25 m breaststroke “Head-Up”, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 13:10 – 13:40: Distance 2 – 25 m freestyle, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 13:40 – 14:00: Distance 3 – 25 m butterfly stroke, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 14:00 – 14:30: Distance 4 – 100 m breaststroke “Head-Up”, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 14:30 – 15:00: Distance 9 – “Seals” – swimming up to 50 m, freestyle, without time control
  • 15:00 – 15:30: Distance 3 – 50 m freestyle, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 15:30 – 16:00: Distance 5 – 200 m freestyle, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 16:00 – 16:30: Distance 6 – 450 m freestyle, starting with the oldest women’s group
  • 16:30 – 17:00: Distance 7 – 4x25m relay, starting with group S2
  • Distance 8 – “Young Seals” – immersion in cold water, held in a separate location parallel to the competition.
  • 17:30: Winner’s awards ceremony. After the awards, the organizers will present a surprise prize to one of the paid distance participants (participants must be present in person).
  • 19:30: Participant banquet/party at the Viktorija Cultural Center, Graudu Street 36/38, Liepāja. Entrance fee 25 euro (BYO food and drink).

The competition organizers reserve the right to modify the program depending on weather conditions and the number of registered participants, notifying the participants accordingly.

6. Participants

The competition is international, and swimmers from any country can participate.

The competition can accommodate up to 200 participants. Once this limit is reached, registration may be closed.

Participants must be registered for the competition.

Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian, or authorized person present at the competition and during in-person registration.

Participants are divided into the following age groups according to their birth year. Participants’ full age will be determined as of December 31.

Age Group Birth Dates Age for Women and Men
A1 2010. and later up to 14 years old
A2 2009. – 2005. 15 to 19 years old
B 2004. – 1995. 20 to 29 years old
C 1994. – 1985. 30 to 39 years old
D 1984. – 1975. 40 to 49 years old
E 1974. – 1965. 50 to 59 years old
F 1964. – 1955. 60 to 69 years old
G 1954. – 1950. 70 to 74 years old
H no 1949. – 1945. 75 to 79 years old
I no 1944. un vecāki from 80 and older

“People’s Class” are winter swimmers, women and men, in all age groups from “A1” (up to 14 years) to “I” age group (80 years and older), who will participate in the “Young Seals” and “Seals” distances. Participation in the “People’s Class” is free.

7. Online Pre-registration for the Championship

Until the 18th of November 23:59 advance online registration is open and can be done on the website veloronis.lv.

To apply for the championship online:

  • the application form for the competition “XVII Latvian Winter Swimming Championship” must be filled out on the website veloronis.lv;
  • the participation fee has been transferred to the organizer’s current account according to details indicated below:

Liepājas veloaktīvistu un ziemas peldētāju klubs „VeloRonis“
Reģ. Nr. 40008220083
AS “SEB banka”
LV60UNLA0050021816720
Purpose of payment: Participants first name, last name, and the distance/s.

When applying for the competition online, the participant also must prepare a personal identification document to be presented during registration in person on November 22 or 23, and in the list of participants, with their signature they confirm:

  • agreement to the competition regulations;
  • that their health condition is suitable for winter swimming in water between 0°C and +5°C;
  • personal responsibility for their health condition during the competition.

8. On-site Registration for the Championship

On November 22, from 17:00 to 20:00, registered participants can pick up their cards, as well as new registrations for participation can be made at the hotel “Līva,” Lielā Street 11, Liepāja.

On the day of the competition, November 23, from 10:00 to 11:00, registration and payment for participation will be done in person at the registration desk at the Liepāja winter swimming area, Beberliņi, Lībiešu Street 8, Liepāja.

When registering for the competition in person, the participant:

  • agrees to present an identification document;
  • fills out the competition entry form*;
  • pays the participation fee in cash or via online banking in the presence of the registration staff.

By filling out the competition entry form, the participant confirms with their signature:

  • agreement to the competition regulations;
  • that their health condition is suitable for winter swimming in water between 0°C and +5°C;
  • personal responsibility for their health condition during the competition..

*For participants under the age of 18, the entry form must be signed by a parent, guardian, or authorized person.

9. Entry Fees

*The entry fee for the second and subsequent distances is reduced by 50% when registering for more than one distance.

**Participants are allowed to compete in only one long-distance event.

The entry fee amount is determined by the date of payment, not the date of registration. If the entry fee is not transferred before the competition day, the full fee must be paid on the day of the competition!

No refunds will be provided if the participant does not attend or if the event is canceled due to force majeure.

10. The participation fee includes

  • sauna, hot tub, tea, soup;
  • starter kit;
  • prepared competition pool (5 swimming lanes);
  • professional lifeguard supervision;;
  • medical assistance at the competition venue;
  • storage for belongings at the competition venue;
  • prizes from competition sponsors and supporters;
  • professional photographers during the competition;
  • a commemorative medal and certificate of participation in the XVII Latvian Open Winter Swimming Championship;
  • diplomas and commemorative prizes for the 1st-3rd place winners in each distance and group.

11. Determining the Winner

Winners are determined separately for men and women in each discipline and group.

12. Awards

The top 3 winners in each age group and discipline will be awarded diplomas and commemorative prizes.

The fastest participant overall in each distance (separate evaluations for men and women) will receive a commemorative prize from the sponsor or, at the organizer’s discretion, a monetary award.

13. Participant Safety

For participants’ safety, a lifeguard and a medical professional will be present at the competition venue, and for long distances, an emergency medical team will be available.

It is prohibited to use stimulants, alcohol, or apply body-warming substances before swimming.

Participants are required to familiarize themselves with and follow the competition’s safety regulations. The participant agrees not to make any claims against the organizers for any injuries sustained due to personal fault, misjudgment of circumstances, or overexertion.

If a participant notices that rules are being violated, they are advised to warn the offending participant or spectator and/or inform the organizers.

If the competition is held in a pool cut into the ice, care must be taken to avoid injury from the ice walls when swimming, entering, or exiting the pool.

14. Participant Attire

Attire – standard swimwear, swimming trunks, swimming goggles, and swim cap.

Attire must not have special heating capabilities (e.g., thermal clothing). Swimming must be done without gloves or shoes.

15. Start and Finish Rules

Start – without a dive into the water. Participants must push off the ladder or support wall, holding on with one hand. Shoulders must be below the water surface.

Finish – by touching the wall (board) at the end of the pool with one hand.

16. Special Rules for 50m, 200m, and 450 m Freestyle Swimmers

A waterproof swim cap is mandatory.

Flip turns are prohibited.

17. Special Rules for Club Team Relay Swimmers

Teams in the relay must consist of both male and female participants from the same club.

18. Special Rules for Long-Distance Swimmers

Long distances include 100m (for all age groups), 200m, and 450m (only for age groups “B” to “G”, for swimmers aged 20 to 74) in freestyle with time control. A waterproof swim cap and goggles are mandatory.

The swim will take place in a designated pool area, and a buoy is not required.

Flip turns are prohibited!

The 200m and 450m distances must be completed within 20 minutes.

Only participants who have previously competed in endurance winter swimming competitions of at least 200m and whose cold tolerance and swimming ability can be certified by their club leaders may participate in the 450m swim.

The leaders must sign a certification form and submit it to the championship organizing committee. Participants in the 450m endurance competition will only be allowed to start under the supervision of an assistant who is responsible for ensuring the participant’s ability to complete the swim.

Assistant’s duties include:

  • monitoring the swimmer in the start zone;
  • staying in the start zone throughout the swim;
  • alerting the judge to stop the swim if the participant’s health is at risk;
  • providing necessary assistance after the swim.

All endurance participants must undergo a health check with the medical staff present on the day of the swim according to the championship schedule.

The medical examination includes checking blood pressure and conducting a visual check for alcohol and drug use.

The results of the medical examination are final, and any negative findings will result in the cancellation of the participant’s entry.

The organizers reserve the right to shorten or cancel the endurance events if weather conditions become more unpredictable and increase the risk to participants. This decision is final and cannot be disputed.

Judges have the authority to stop a swimmer’s race if there is concern that the participant is acting in a way that endangers their life or health.

19. Protests

Protests must be submitted in writing to the organizers within 15 minutes of the decision (protest) announcement, accompanied by a deposit of 10 EUR. Protests will be reviewed after each distance’s finish. If the protest is upheld, the deposit will be returned to the submitter.

20. Results

The participants’ rankings, names, age groups, results, countries, cities, and clubs/associations will be published in the results section of the championship website veloronis.lv.

21. Advertising

By registering for the competition, participants agree that photos and videos taken during the event may be used by the organizers for their purposes.

22. Competition Regulations and Amendments

The referee team, together with the organizers, reserves the right to make decisions on issues not mentioned in the competition regulations and to make changes to the regulations without prior notice to the participants.

Organizers are not responsible for participants’ failure to be aware of or follow the regulations.

Participants unequivocally agree to the regulations and commit to adhering to them.

The last changes to these regulations were made on October 10, 2024.

23. Data Protection

The cycling and winter swimming club “VeloRonis” respects the privacy of participants.

The data controller is “VeloRonis,” located at Siguldas iela 19-41, Liepāja, LV-3401.

By registering for the competition, participants consent to the processing of their personal data for competition organization purposes. To ensure accurate competition results, participants must provide their name, gender, birth date, and chosen distance. Other data is optional

The publicly visible results will include the participant’s name, club and/or city, distance, and placement. Participants who do not wish to appear in the public results should inform the organizers via email at info@veloronis.lv. In this case, the participant will be listed as “Anonymous” in the public results. Anonymous participants are not eligible for any prizes.

Participants can request corrections or deletions of their personal data at any time.

By registering, participants consent to the use of photos and videos taken during the event for the organizer’s purposes, including but not limited to publication on the veloronis.lv website, in media, and on social media platforms.

Participants’ email addresses are added to the event mailing list to inform them about event updates. Participants may unsubscribe at any time by contacting info@veloronis.lv.

CONTACTS:

veloronis@veloronis.lv

Inga Krivcova +371 26324104

Margarita Teivāne +371 29748164