Race Policies

Swimmer Qualifications:
This swim is not for novices; this event is for experienced open-water swimmers only. To participate, you should be able to swim one mile comfortably in 40 minutes or less.

The race director reserves the right to pull swimmers from the water who cannot complete the course in the allowed time.  This is for safety reasons as boat traffic must resume along the river immediately following our event.

Cancellation:
The Charles River Swimming Club, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the race due to unsafe weather conditions, unsanitary water conditions or other reasons. The safety of the participants, volunteers and spectators is of utmost importance to us.  Prolonged or heavy rainfall before or on the day of the race will likely lead to a cancellation.

Refunds:
No refunds, substitutions, credits or deferments available if the swimmer cancels registration – no exceptions.  Should the race be canceled on both the original race date AND the rain date, the Charles River Swimming Club, Inc. will refund the participants 50% of their entry fees. Note that we cannot offer a refund for swimmers who are unable to participate on the rain date, should we have to cancel on the original date. Please note that we cannot reimburse swimmers for their travel expenses in case of race cancellation.  We cannot defer or transfer registrations.

Substitutions:
Under no circumstances may you sell, trade or allow someone else to take your entry. Such substitutions jeopardize our insurance and our ability to secure the permits necessary to produce future events.

Safety:
Race officials have the authority to pull a swimmer out of the water. Potential dangers include, among others, hypothermia and other medical conditions, changes in weather or water condition and conflicts with boat traffic. Lifeguards and kayakers will be patrolling and monitoring the course and a medical team will be available to assist in case of a medical emergency.