Rules of participation
To participate in the Thingvallasund swim event, participants must have registered (see Registration) and paid the confirmation fee. Participants must also demonstrate that they are capable of swimming a distance of 3,5 km (2.17 miles) in under 70 minutes without mishap and under supervision in either fresh or seawater.
Note: The temperature of the water in the Thingvallasund swim event is about 10°C (50°F).
The Thingvallasund swim event
The wind velocity must be less than 5 m/sec. (9.7 kts) for the Thingvallasund swim event to be held.
Participants must show up at the tip of Mjóanes, which is the starting point of the swim. Teammates of the swimmers must remain at the finish line and will not be allowed to ride in the observation boats. Boat traffic is discouraged in the proximity of the swimmers during the swim.
Location safety and supervision will be provided by the Icelandic Association for Search And Rescue (ICE-SAR) and will be represented by the local Search and Rescue Team in the village of Eyrarbakki.
Boats will be situated near the shore due to the hazard of slippery rocks on the bottom at the starting point of the swim.
Participants must be on dry land before starting their swim. A horn will sound the start of the swim and an observer will start timing the participants. The swim is only considered finished when a participant is completely out of the water on dry land. Only then will the timing of the swim be stopped.
A light beacon will be situated at the finish line to assist participants in orienting themselves during the swim. (In cooperation with the local SAR team)
Lifeboats will follow the participants down-current from them from start to finish.
Participants are not allowed to come into contact with the lifeboats at any time during the swim. If a participant is not able to continue with the swim, he or she shall roll on to their back and raise an arm and wait for help to arrive.
Participants may receive nourishment during the swim from the SAR team. Nourishment will be placed in front of the participants who will, after receiving nourisment, throw the container in the direction of the SAR boat. It is strongly recommended that participants be well nourished before the swim and also especially just prior to commencing the swim.
When the timing of the swim has been stopped, participants can get all the assistance they require from their teammates. It is recommended to make sure the teammates are ready with the participant’s’ gear for drying and getting dressed. Remembering to bring a hot drink is highly recommended.
Please remember to enjoy the experience of an adventure which is associated with taking part in the Thingvallasund swim event in Lake Thingvellir, Iceland.
The rules of the Thingvallasund swim event
- Participants in the Thingvallasund swim event do so at their own risk concerning accidents, personal injury and personal property damage. Participants should be well aware of the risks associated with open water swimming.
- Participants must be 18 years old or older when the swim event takes place. Participants may not come in contact with the lifeboats during the swim event.
Participants are allowed to use:
- One each layer of thermally uninsulated swimwear in accordance with the rules of the FINA.
- One each thermally uninsulated swim cap.
- One each pair of swimming googles, clear or tinted.
- All types of body lotion are not allowed during the swim event.
- Any gear which could increase the speed, tolerance to cold or buoyancy of participants is not allowed.
- The rules of the SSÍ, ÍSÍ and WADA on substance abuse apply to the Thingvallasund swim event.