Triathlon and Swimming Event Permit Guidelines

Background

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute, 86B.121, permits must be obtained prior to events being held on Minnesota waters.

A triathlon is an athletic event combining three events or legs into one consisting of:

• 1.5 km swim,
• 40 km bicycle ride and
• 10 km run.

Some triathlons may reduce one or all of these distances (noted by the sponsor). The swimming portion of a triathlon is usually held on open water, and in Minnesota, on a lake. The swim course will vary, but will oftentimes consist of

• A “U”shape – with the 1^st leg going out into the lake, a 2^nd leg out in the lake parallel to shore and a 3^rd leg back into shore.
• Another option includes just two legs – 750 meters out into the lake and 750 meters back to shore.
• Other options may be possible – including a course that parallels the shore, but not necessarily in deep water.

The sponsors will set up buoys in the water to mark the course for the participants.

Application

Application for a triathlon event must be received in writing at least 30 days prior to the actual event. The applicant shall provide all information requested by the County on the application, including the actual rules that the participants must follow for the event, and any required liability insurance documentation.

In the application, the sponsor must specify the maximum number of participants in the event. Once this is established in the permit – no additional participants will be allowed.

The County may require the applicant to physically meet with County Sheriff’s Office (and other personnel) to review the permit application and / or permit issuance conditions. Any permits or permission required by any other government agency must also be submitted with the application.

Insurance Required

All sponsors must provide proof of liability insurance in the form and amount specified by the County.

Swimming Course Layout

The sponsor must provide a map with the application showing the location of the swim course on the body of water. This is subject to review by the County Sheriff’s Office. The map must show the approximate location of: all buoys marking the race course; rescue and control craft; EMS personnel; and points of ingress & egress of the participants from the water. Preference will be given to a course layout that: 1) parallels and is as close to shore as practicable and, 2) does not exceed 4 feet of water depth.

Weather

When winds on the course exceed 15 mph, the event must not start. If started, the remaining swimmers already in the water may be allowed to finish, but no additional swimmers will be allowed to enter. The event may not proceed if severe weather or lightning is present or immediately forecast for the area.

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures should be taken as noted in the USA Triathlon Rules and the policy on the use of wetsuits considered. A triathlon shall not take place if the water temperature falls below 70 degrees F.

Time

The swim portion of the course must start and end at the time specified on the permit. Those persons still remaining in the water at the end of the time must be immediately picked up by the sponsor’s safety and rescue boats and returned to the egress point on shore so they may be checked in. The sponsor’s safety and rescue boats may not leave the water until all swimmers have been accounted for.

Swimmers

The sponsor must limit the number of swimmers in the water at any one time through the use of heats. Heats should not be any less than 15 minutes apart. The sponsor must have a positive system to check swimmers both in and out of the water and a plan for action in the event of a missing swimmer. Safety and rescue boats may not leave the water until all swimmers have been accounted for.

Buoys

Brightly colored buoys that are visible to swimmers in the water (at least 14” in diameter or height), shall mark the entire race course at intervals not exceeding 30 meters. Anchors and line must be adequate to keep the buoys from drifting off station due to wind or wave action. Buoys, anchors and line must be completely removed from the water immediately after the swimming portion of the event.

Swim Caps

All participants must use brightly colored swim caps, as assigned by the sponsor. The course sponsor is encouraged to designate novice swimmers with a specific cap color. White, gray, black and dark blue caps may not be used by participants due to visibility problems while they are in the water.

Rescue Craft/Lifeguards

There should be one certified lifeguard for every 25 swimmers in the water. The lifeguard must be in a non-motorized craft (rowboat preferred) wearing a USCG approved PFD. Each craft should be equipped with at least 3-5 USCG Type I or II wearable PFDs on board for tired swimmers. The non-motorized craft must be spaced throughout the race with particular attention paid to the areas farthest from shore.

Safety Boats

There shall be at least 3-4 motorboats with an experienced operator and equipped with boarding ladders. The craft shall be large enough to take a number of tired swimmers or a prone victim on board and equipped with at least 25 Type I or II Personal Floatation Devices on board. Only lifeguards/rescue personnel & tired swimmers may be on board the safety boats.

Emergency Medical Support

The sponsor must provide emergency medical support at the site of the swimming leg. A standby ambulance with EMS trained personnel is preferred. There must be communication established between the EMS, race personnel and the on-site county sheriff’s office personnel. Lifeguards and rescue personnel must be briefed as to what steps to take in case of injury, missing swimmer(s), witnessed disappearance etc.

Fees

The County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to charge for the costs of all services provided for the event, including administrative costs. The level of service required will be determined by the County Sheriff’s Office.