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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
1.0 EVENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
The September 14, 2014 chip timed events are:
1.) AquaRun for a Child (1.5-mile swim followed by a 3.1-mile run) individual race and relay,
2.) 1.5 mile and 3 mile Swim Defiance, and
At Owen Beach and along the seawall path in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma WA
1.2 Swim Race Course
The 3.0 mi electronic chipped swim is on a triangular course that starts in the water at Owen Beach
between two orange triangular buoys and proceeds north toward Vashon Island and makes two right
hand turns around the outside of a two tall yellow cylindrical buoys at 1.5 miles and then heads south
back to Owen Beach. The 1.5mi swimmers will take a bus from the finish area to the 10:05 AM
Tahlequah WA State Ferry, walk on and enjoy a 15 minute ride to Vashon Island. Once they arrive, they
will walk to the beach just west of the Ferry terminal, deposit there non-swim garb in provided bags and
swim out to the two tall yellow cylindrical buoys for the start at approximate 10:30 AM. All swimmers will
finish with a run up the beach across a timing mat. The course is shown on the map in section 8.0
The 3.0 mile open water race starts at 9:45 a.m. The 1.5 mile, AquaRun and relay swim legs start at
10:30 a.m. This time is very near the peak of high tide. All swims end at Marine Park. The last swimmer
is expected to finish before 12:30 p.m.
1.3 Safety
In the event of an emergency requiring professional assistance, Tacoma 911 has confirmed that calling
911 to Anthony’s Restaurant extraction point is fastest method for medical help.
This event provides the following plan for swimmer safety from closest to farthest from swimmer:
Lifeguards: 2 ARC certified lifeguards/30 swimmers will paddle alongside swimmers at intervals to
provide in-water assistance, if necessary. Lifeguards will have whistles to signal jet skis for a pick up
if necessary.
/Canoes/Outriggers: 4 or more paddlers will accompany swimmers along the course to
guide swimmers to stay into the planned swimming channel and provide a short term ‘hanging’ spot
if swimmers become disoriented, tired or cramped up during the swim or will provide a flotation device
if required. Paddlers will have orange flags and whistles to signal jet skis for a pick up if necessary.
One Browns Point Fire and Rescue Zodiac and two jet skis will patrol the course and the drivers
will be certified First Aid providers and will wear communication radios tied to Safety Director.
r Boats: Outside the swim channel, motor craft with a designated observer will patrol the
course to provide a barrier between swimmers and boat traffic in the area. On boards will be a
certified First Aid provider and will carry communication radio tied to Safety Director.
bor Patrol: US Coast Guard boat will patrol the race perimeter and redirect any boat traffic
away from the swim area. The US Coast Guard will be in telephone communication with Race
Director and/or Safety Director at all times during the event.
Each group has a designated leader who will organize, direct and coordinate their efforts with the Safety
Director. In section 2.0 of this plan, the role of the Browns Point Fire and Rescue power boat/jet skis,
kayakers and certified lifeguards are better defined.
1.4 Layers of Safety
There will be four official layers of safety as show in the following Figure:
Layer 1 - Coast Guard for large shipping container sized ships
Layer 2 - Two Power Safety Boats with swimmer observer
Layer 3 - Two BPE fire jet skis + One Zodiac w/aquatic rescue boards
Layer 4- Five to ten lifeguards in kayaks and experienced volunteer kayakers
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
N
W
E
S
FIRST AID @
START/FINISH
Finish at Arch
on Owens Beach
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PIER
1.4 DAY OF RACE SCHEDULE
COURSE SET-UP
7:30-8:00AM
Safety Coordinator and team inflate5 buoys.
8:00-9:00AM
Meet with BPE fire at Owen Beach to place buoys (3 yellow, 2
orange)
9:00-10:00AM
Set up Run Course cones/signs and water stations
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
VOLUNTEERS PRE-RACE Meeting Schedule
8:00-9:00AM
8:45-9:00AM
9:15-9:30AM
10:15-10:30AM
-ALL FINISH AREA VOLUNTEERS be checked in at registration and
waiver signature obtained by group lead
-Boaters park at Anthony’s Restaurant for meeting
MEETING of Swim Exit, Kayaker/Lifeguard/Other Rescue personnel at
swim start beach (Steve Courtney/Safety Director, Mark Greengo,
Malcolm Neely)
MEETING for 5K volunteers (Tacoma Runners/Derek Young)
VOLUNTEERS IN WATER READY TO GO
9:30 AM
9:30 AM
9:40 AM
Boaters
Kayaker/Lifeguards on paddleboards or kayaks
Jet skis
After the national anthem, the ANNOUNCER starts race at 9:45 AM with Safety
Director “GO”.
VOLUNTEER RUN COURSE MONITORS READY TO GO
10:45 AM
At 2 water stations/turn around loop on run route
1.5 RACE DESCRIPTION FOR IN WATER VOLUNTEER
1.5.1 Start description
At the conclusion of the volunteer pre-race meetings, The Motor Boats with designated observers will
immediately position themselves West and East outside the swim channel. All certified lifeguards,
kayaks, and jet skis will position themselves at the swim race along the swim course and wait for the
event’s 9:45AM start. Then the lifeguard and kayak leads will evenly space their crews around the
triangular course. The jet skis with Browns Point Fire personnel will roam as required.
The start for the swim events is staggered by assigned waves. The 3.0 Swim Defiance heat will start
in the water at Owen Beach 9:45AM in the first wave. The AquaRun/ Relay and 1.5 Swim Defiance
swimmers will take the 10:05 AM Tahlequah Ferry to Vashon Island and disembark and enter water
for a 10:30 AM race start at the two tall yellow buoys southwest of the ferry dock. Motor Boats will
stay just outside the race course along the East and West borders to ward off any other boat traffic.
Should a kayak/jet ski bring a swimmer to the boat needing rescued, the pilot should expect to
operate at dead-slow speed, idling in and out of gear at approx. 2 mph.
The event will run for approximately 3.0 hours. In water personnel should expect to be on duty on
the race course until the completion of the swim; approx. 12:30PM or later, until the last swimmer
has completed the race.
1.5.2 Finish description
At the race conclusion, dock or anchor your boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis outside the swim
course and come to shore. CHECK IN WITH YOUR GROUP FOCAL. Food and t-shirts await you.
2.0 LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Requirements
Lifeguards must be currently certified by recognized US certification governing body (Red Cross, etc)
Personally supplied wetsuit, rescue tubes, and paddleboards are preferred but Race Director will try
to supply as many as required.
2.2 Role
You are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are required. You are also here to (1)
keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or needing rescue to a
jet ski or power boat.
2.3 Day of Race Schedule
2.3.1 Arrival /Meeting
All lifeguards must be at the Owen Beach ready to go by 9:00 a.m. Combined Safety meeting is 9:15
a.m. conducted by Safety Director-Steve Courtney, Lead Lifeguard-Malcolm Neely, and Lead
Kayaker- Mark Greengo. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
Be in the water by 9:30 a.m., the race starts at 9:45 a.m.
2.4 Specific Race-Day Operations
Lifeguards will disperse along swim course and monitor for swimmers showing sign of distress.
Follow lifeguards instruction detailed in 4.5.2 Swimmer Rescue for coordinated rescues with
boats/jet skis.
Lifeguards shall return to the race start and check in with their group focal after the swimmers have
all finished.
3.0 KAYAK/CANOE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Boat Requirements
Experienced kayakers should come equipped for up to two and one-half hours of slow paddling. Boat
must be seaworthy. Life jackets required. Bring the following if you have them:
3.2 Role
You are here to (1) keep swimmers on course, and (2) help transport any swimmers withdrawing or
needing rescue to a power boat.
3.3 Day of Race Schedule
3.3.1 Launch/Arrival
Many places to put in boats:
Owen Beach. Note most of shore is lined with large logs. Be ready to climb
over logs with boats.
3.3.2 Meeting
All kayaks must be at the Les Davis Marine Park by 9:00 a.m. Combined Safety meeting is 9:15 a.m.
conducted by Safety Director-Steve Courtney, Lead Lifeguard-Malcolm Neely, and Lead KayakerMark Greengo. During this 15-minute meeting we will review procedures for:
Be in the water by 9:30, the race starts at 9:45.
3.4 Specific Race-Day Operations
will lead the 9:45 AM 3.0 mile swim start to the first tall yellow cylindrical
buoy near Vashon Island and should stay approximately 100-feet in front of the swimmers. Maintain
that gap to the first buoy. That kayak cannot get too close to the lead swimmer else we entertain
complaints that the winner was paced or escorted.
small boats into along the length and in the middle of the course. Some
regrouping might be needed to keep kayaks where the swimmers are.
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
cylindrical buoys) near Vashon Island toward Owen Beach and should stay approximately 100-feet in
front of the swimmers
Designate one or more boats to bring up the rear. Do not bunch up along the course and do not
plan on paddling next to anyone.
s and check in with
your group focal.
3.4.1 Course Policing
you see a swimmer heading off course, use your boat, paddle. flag or shouts to get their
attention. Remember they cannot hear very well with their ears full of water. Do not be shy
about shouting, whistling, waving at them and herding them back onto the course.
right or wrong. Be a good guidepost for swimmers, encourage errant swimmers to follow you
back on course.
4.0 JET SKI/POWER BOAT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Jet Ski Requirements
The Browns Point Fire Department is supplying their own maintained and inspected jet skis and
rescue equipment. The asst. Safety Director, also part of BPFD, will insure these craft are in working
order on race day.
4.1.1 Swimmer Rescue
Any swimmer rescued by a paddle board or kayak will be removed from the race by a jet ski.
The Jet ski may choose to transport the swimming to the motor boat once outside the race
course.
4.2 Boat Requirements
Two volunteer experience boaters are supplying their own maintained and inspected small power
boat. Safety Director will insure these craft are in working order on race day. Boats will meet current
USMS Open Water Guide to Operations, Part 1: Open Water Sanction Guidelines, Revision Date:
January 2014, and Part 2: Open Water Safety Guidelines, Revision Date: January 2014 capable of
transporting at least four people, and able to be comfortably boarded from the water without risking
tipping or injury to a swimmer.
As
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a minimum the boats will be checked with the following checklist:
Did the boat operator provide a proof of insurance for the boat?
Does the boat have a propeller guard?
Does the boat have a dedicated swimmer monitor on board (required without propeller guard)?
Did the boat operator attend the pre-race meeting?
Did the swimmer monitor attend the pre-race meeting?
Do the swimmer monitor and boat operator both agree not to participate in the swim?
Does the boat have life jackets for everyone on the boat plus four additional for possible rescued
swimmers?
8. Is there two-way radio/ communication between the boat operators and the safety director?
9. Are the boat operator and swimmer monitor aware of any and all restricted zones within the race area?
10. Does the boat have first aid supplies on board?
Race specific gear:








Skier-down or similar flag
Four extra life jackets
Charged cell phone
Anchor with adequate rope for water depth
Paddle or auxiliary motor
Bucket and/or bilge pump
Secondary motor or paddle
Adequate fuel
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN


Blankets or towels for swimmers picked up during the event
Binoculars
Optional but strongly recommended equipment includes:

Fire extinguisher

50-foot throw rope
Per USMS Open Water Guide to Operations: All propeller driven watercraft used in conjunction with the
sanctioned open water events must have a propeller guard(s) installed for the duration of the event.
A) Boats owned and operated by or on behalf of Coast Guard, police, fire and rescue, or other
government agencies;
B) Boats with a swimmer monitor on board to assist the boat captain while navigating on the swim
course. Swimmer monitors shall be assigned to each motorized watercraft without a propeller guard.
The swimmer monitor shall insure the boat steers clear of all swimmers while the motor is running.
The swimmer monitor may not swim in the event. The swim monitor may not drive the boat; however
they may perform other actions that do not detract from their primary role;
C) Boats at anchor from start to finish of the sanctioned event with engine(s) off, while any swimmer
is in the water; and
D) Boats with propellers fore of the rudder (e.g. inboard motors), provided:
(1) These boats do not run directly on the designated swim course.
(2) For events requiring personal escort craft, water craft with inboard motors may be allowed
on the course provided their engines are off when any swimmer is within 20 feet of the propeller.
4.2.1 Role
The power boat is one of four craft that will accompany swimmers along the race course. The others are
paddleboards with lifeguards, kayaks, and jet skis. External to the race course is the US Coast Guard
boat.
Power boats provide these general functions during the event; Course Patrol: Power boats will operate
outside the designated race course and provide a physical barrier between swimmers and general boat
traffic. This is the boat’s primary role; and Swimmer Patrol: The power boat may pull slow or unfit
swimmers from the course via the Jet Ski as decided by the Safety Director.
4.2.1.1 Specific Race-Day Operations
from entering the course. Power boats
are the boundary between the harbor and the course.
The power boats should stay 100-feet outside of the outer edge of the course as marked by the
buoys.
paddle) approaches from the North (Sound) side of the course, the
nearest power boat should (1) intercept that craft, (2) explain the event, and (3) tell them to keep
300 yards from the race course. Any problem whatsoever, contact US Coast Guard boat via
cell phone. This is their job, let them do it.
boat approaching from shoreline will be responsibility of kayakers.
4.2.1.2 Swimmer Rescue
o If a swimmer must be rescued by the motor craft for any reason, notify the Safety Director
immediately thru closest cell phone/ walkie talkie.
o Obtain swimmer name and number and general condition. Relay information to Race Director and
Command Boat, also noting time and approximate location along the course.
o When approached by or notified of a swimmer requiring rescue, the nearest boat will:
Idle engine and remain perpendicular to Jet Ski.
Move toward course edge, reverse as necessary to stop at course edge, and take engine
out of gear.
DO NOT ENTER THE SWIM COURSE!
Direct jet ski out of course and toward rescue boat.
Conduct rescue as described below.
Idle back to position
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
o Notify Safety Director that rescue concluded and boat returned to position or ferry swimmer to
extraction point if medical emergency is determined. Note that swimmer has withdrawn, restate
swimmer’s name, number and condition, time of rescue.
o If required by Race Director, fill out incident report at conclusion of race.
o Follow outline above
o A rescuer may notify nearest power boat by whistle and/or flag that a swimmer requires a
non-medical rescue.
o Rescuer will escort the swimmer outside of the swim course for pickup, or swimmer may
proceed on his or her own power.
o Get swimmer into boat and comfortable. Keep swimmer on board until docked at race finish.
o A power boat will evacuate any swimmer needing medical attention. If you witness a medical
emergency or if a Jet Ski, kayaker, paddleboard or swimmer notifies or approaches you with a
medical emergency, CONTACT the Safety Director IMMEDIATELY thru closest cell phone/
walkie talkie!
o Follow general rescue steps outlined above
o When rescuer and swimmer reach the course edge, guide closest power boat to them.
o If closest power boat indicates a significant delay is expected, get the swimmer out of the
water if possible to do so without causing injury. Relay this information to Race Director and
Command Boat.
o Notify Command Boat and Race Director when swimmer is transferred to Silver Cloud Pier for
evacuation.
4.2.1.3 Swimmer Patrol
o Any 3.0 mile swimmer that does not reach the midway point 1hour 20 minutes after start will
be pulled from the race.
o Any 1.5 mile swimmer that does not reach the midway point by 1 hour after start will be
pulled from the race.
o Any swimmer expected to finish significantly later than 12:30 PM (w/ 9:45AM and 10:30AM on
time Start) race end will also be pulled.
o If a swimmer is not able to stay on course, they may be pulled.
o Procedure for pulling swimmers should generally follow that for non-medical emergencies.
o Swimmers pulled from the race will remain with the pick-up boat until the end of the race.
o Notify the Safety Director of pulled swimmer noting swimmer’s name and number and
approximate time.
abandoning the course:
o If a boater sees a swimmer heading toward shore and clearly abandoning the race, notify the
Safety Director of the location and time. Attempt to get the swimmer’s name and number.
o If unable to obtain name and number, direct the nearest kayak to attempt to do so.
o Notify safety and Race Director if swimmer’s ID unknown.
5.0 OTHER TASKS AND INFORMATION
5.1 Communications
– Each boat will be provided with a short band radio. In addition, the Race Director, and
several other key support staff members will have radios with them at all times. The lead kayaker
and head life guards will use their cell phones to communicate between each other or to contact
Safety Director, US Coast Guard or Race Director.
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
– In addition, boaters are expected to have cell phones, charged and operational.
o We will try to get cell phones in the hand of every kayaker. However, even with a phone, it may
not be practical for the paddler to call a power boat operator for assistance.
o Kayaks will also have whistles and flags. We have instructed kayakers to use both only if they
need assistance with a swimmer.
Bring a cell phone if you have one. Race Director’s cell number is _253-740-9872_ AND
her assistant’s cell is _206-715-4725_. Safety Director can contact boats and Coast Guard
by radio.
power boats, other kayakers and paddleboards.
5.2 General Safety
o Please remember that you are watching all the swimmers in your area. Don’t follow one
swimmer; you are not a personal escort.
o In past events, some swimmers have insisted on having a kayak accompany them along the
entire race course. This jeopardizes everyone’s safety.
o If a swimmer demands you paddle next to them.
o If a swimmer is incapable of staying on course and you are spending all of your time corralling
one individual
o A power boat will be on hand to oversee stragglers and determine if the last swimmer needs
to be pulled.
o Use your discretion.
o Clearly explain your decision. Tell, don’t ask. And don’t argue.
o Direct the swimmer to follow you outside of the course to the nearest power boat.
o When swimmer is on boat, move back to your place on the edge of the course.
o A rest is different than needing help. Ask the swimmer if they need a rest or need help.
o Allow swimmers to hang onto the bow (preferably) or stern, but not the sides if a short rest is
needed. If you find yourself doing this more than a couple times for the same individual, they
probably need to be pulled.
Swimmer Rescue
o If a swimmer is panicking or appears in trouble, signal a kayak, jet ski and/or lifeguard.

The Brown Point Fire Jet Ski/Zodiac boat is permitted to enter the swim course and is
there to pick up and transport medical emergencies.
Lifeguards are intended to be the first response to rescues if they are available.
o If a lifeguard is unable to reach the swimmer, quickly approach the swimmer, toss a life
jacket/rescue tube/flotation device.
o As a last resort, allow the swimmer to hold onto your boat. Use caution, a panicked swimmer
can dump a kayak easily and quickly. Get them to the stern and tow them to the east edge of
the course and transfer to a power boat.
o Return normal place along course edge.
o If a swimmer was rescued (NOT pulled or withdrawn), contact the race director at the end of
the race. It may be necessary to fill out an incident report.
5.3 Swimmer Tracking.
o At Check-in/registration, each swimmer will be given a popsicle stick and an electronic ankle
chip with their race number.
o Before the start of every swim event, the swimmers affix the chip to their ankle and will turn
over their popsicle stick to a designated race volunteer before entering the water. These
numbers will be tracked and confirmed upon exit at the swim finish.
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
o Once exiting the swim, the swimmer be required to cross a timing mat which will also track
competitors as completing the race.
O If the body and race number counts do not match. The City of Tacoma Police and Fire will be
immediately alerted. Any race assets will be volunteered if able.
6.0 CANCELLATION PLAN
6.1 Prior to the event start
consultation with the safety director.
weather), any refund will be calculated from any funds saved with cancellation.
the cancellation is a result of the host’s organizing (or lack of), a reasonable refund, or credit
toward the next race will be made.
6.2 During the event
consultation with the safety director. Race director will also determine alternative finishing area if
required.
US Coast Guard and Power Boat pilot immediately by radio or cell phone that the event has
been canceled or revised.
Jet Skis shall notify lifeguards and kayakers immediately. Kayaks and lifeguards shall inform
swimmers of cancellation or alternative finish line.
and kayaks shall direct swimmers to alternative finish line if required.
finishing area at the alternative site. If time permits,
set-up the chip timing scan-in at the alternative finish area. If time prevents relocating, shuttle
people back to the Marine Park finish area for chip scanning.
n accounted for.
7.0 INSURANCE CERTIFICATE INFORMATION
A request for United States Masters Swimming (USMS) sanctioning for the open water swim has been
submitted as well as the pending Metro Parks application approval. United States Track Federation
(USATF) insurance will cover the run portion of the AquaRun event. Upon approval from each respective
governing body, insurance certificates will be issued.
8.0 COURSE MAP
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
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2014 AQUARUN AND SWIM DEFIANCE SWIM SAFETY PLAN
SWIMMER RESPONSIBILITIES HANDOUT
The event’s success requires the swimmers accept certain responsibilities. In addition
to recognizing the risk inherent to exercise in cold water (e.g., heart attack,
hypothermia, drowning), every participant is expected to abide by the following:
 No guide is available. The kayaks, boats and paddleboards are there for the safety
of the group, not as individual escorts or safety marshals. Expect to follow the
course with the help of adjacent swimmers and buoys, not with the personal aid of
the boaters.
 Do not swim in the proximity of the power boats, THEY ARE OFF COURSE.
 Do keep an eye out for your fellow swimmers. Help them stay on course. If you
see another swimmer clearly in distress, summon a kayak or paddleboard and
stay in contact with the swimmer.
 If you decide to abandon the event midway, DO NOT swim to shore. Rather, notify
a kayak and they will escort you to a power boat.
 If you are tired or injured and need assistance, summon help from a kayak or
paddleboard; this is why they are here.
o When a board or boat approaches, clearly explain the nature of your
problem. Be accurate when assessing your condition or circumstance. Don’t
sugar coat it, don’t cry wolf.
o If you are injured or have a medical emergency, enlist the help of a
paddleboard. They are piloted by lifeguards with first aid and lifesaving
training. If unable to do so, explain your situation to the nearest kayak or
swimmer. If urgent, BE VERY EXPLICIT.
o If you need a rest or simply want a break, look for a kayak.
o Listen to whatever direction or instructions are provided by kayak,
paddleboard or boat operators.
o If injured or needing medical attention, you will be transported to a Harbor
Patrol boat. If uninjured but withdrawing from the race, a kayak will escort or
transport you to one of the power boats.
course, or will clearly finish outside of the 11:30 AM time limit, you will
be pulled from the event.
o If you are pulled, do not argue with boat, kayak or board operator. They are
looking after the safety of all the swimmers, not one.
o You will either be picked up directly by a power boat, or transported or
escorted by a kayak or paddleboard as appropriate.
boat or harbor patrol, you will
remain on the boat until that boat is authorized to return to the finish
area. When you return to the finish area, you must check in with the
Safety Director, Race Director or Finish Line crew and return your
electronic time chip. If you start the race but do not check in at the
finish, we will conclude you are still on course. If the race is over and
your time chip has not been returned, we will assume the worst.
at the finish area, notify the Race Director. You
will be expected to complete an incident report describing the nature of your
accident, illness or condition.