What kind of swim suits can be worn in 2010?

At its meeting of Tuesday 20th October, 2009 the RCSA Committee discussed at some length a number of queries and concerns that had been raised regarding the 2010 Swim Suit Regulations recently placed on the Association’s website.

With the recent announcement of the changes in FINA rules in relation to swim wear the Committee felt it was necessary to provide a greater degree of clarity around Bylaw 1 and therefore the 2010 Swim Suit Regulations were developed. It should be noted that the basis of these regulations are directly taken from Bylaw 1 which has been in effect for many years – i.e. In any Rottnest Channel swim attempts, no swimmer shall use or be assisted by artificial aids of any manner. Swimmers are permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear a maximum of two caps, nose clip and earplugs and one bathing suit in accordance with FINA’s Rules for Open Water Swimming. The suit may not be made of neoprene or rubber or any other non porous material and may not be designed either to retain body heat or for aid in buoyancy, speed or endurance.

The Committee acknowledges that in the past a small number of people may have been allowed to wear swim suits in contravention of our race rules and Bylaws and this number is growing as people develop changing attitudes to sun, safety and the spirit of the race. This has now resulted in the Committee finding itself in the difficult position of having race rules and regulations that don’t match the preferences of some (but not all) of the membership base. The only way to resolve this is at a general meeting of members and under the circumstances we do not feel that this meeting can be held before the 2010 race.

In recognition of this and in the best interests of competitors the 2010 race will allow the wearing of suits that people have worn in prior years, but once the matter is taken to a general meeting of members (e.g. the 2010 AGM) the race rules (including the Bylaws) decided at that meeting will be enforced.

HENCE
Swimmers are not allowed to wear wetsuits or anything made out of neoprene. However swimmers are permitted to wear swim skins of any brand, rash vests, the pointzero3 and nero swim suits made by Blueseventy.