Rules

General Rules & Safety Requirements

All people participating or attending swimming events at Harthill Reservoir will be expected to abide by the following rules at all times while onsite.
These rules have been agreed with Rotherham Sailing Club and failure to comply could result in the use of the facilities being withdrawn.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in a participant being barred from any swimming events at the site.
Under 9’s are not permitted to swim at any time.
If you have any questions please contact a member of the Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers Admin Team who will provide clarification if required.

They are entirely responsible for their own safety whether in the water or ashore, and nothing done by the organizers relieves the participants of this responsibility.
It is for each individual to decide whether they are fit enough for the conditions. If the organizers deem the conditions unsuitable then no one will be permitted to enter the water.
The provision of the spotters and safety craft does not relieve participants of their responsibilities.
Nothing done by the organizers will reduce the responsibility of the participants nor will it make the organizers responsible for any loss, damage, death or personal injury, however, it may have occurred, as a result of the participant swimming. The organizers encompass all members of the admin team and everyone helping to run the event.
Parents or Guardians are warned that the organizers cannot be expected to exercise supervision or control over any children, Parents or Guardians have sole responsibility for their children and wards.

All participants are required to comply with any instructions either written or verbal regarding access to areas within Rotherham Sailing Club property.
Access to the water will only be from the designated area in front of the clubhouse. No access to the water from any of the adjacent finishing pegs. All access is from Rotherham Sailing Club property, within the fenced area.
Jumping or diving from the Jetty(s) is not permitted at any time due to the risk of inadequate water depth due to fluctuations in the water level.
Access to the licensed bar area within the clubhouse is restricted. No participants are allowed behind the bar area at any time.
Jumping or Diving from the dam wall or bridge is forbidden.
All participants are expected to respect the facilities and other users. All areas are to be left clean and tidy ready for the next user. (This includes all shower / changing areas and the kitchen).
All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat to aid visibility at all times while swimming.

Are experienced in open water enough to be aware of their limits and capabilities, and will not intentionally put themselves at risk.
Capable of swimming 100 meters in open water unaided. (Assessment provided for new swimmers)
Swim entirely at their own risk.
Will read and follow the safety recommendations identified in this document.
Will report any further hazards/risks that they may identify.
Respect other swimmers space and keep a safe distance from other swimmers.
If the siren on the boathouse or air horn is sounded then all swimmers are to immediately return to the shore and exit the water.
All swimmers will stay a minimum of 20m from the Dam Wall and 10m from the shore at all times except when entering or leaving the water.
Notify a member of the YOS team if you have any medical condition(s) that may affect your ability to swim or are on any medication that we need to be aware of.

Drink water/fluids prior to your swim.
Cover any open sores, or avoid swimming in case of infection (Weil’s disease).
Seek medical attention if flu or influenza-like symptoms occur 2-3 weeks after the swim, in case of Weil’s disease and advise Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers (YOS Admin).
Seek medical advice if any symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach upset are experienced and advise Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers (YOS Admin).
Be wary of sharp edges on stones when getting in/out of the water.
Be aware of slippery surfaces when entering/exiting the water.
Be aware of the potential for discarded fishing line and or hooks.
To avoid contact with the marker buoys or anchor ropes due to sharp mineral deposits and encrustations.
Be aware of the presence of weeds in the swimming area and avoid where possible.
Please note that excessive rain may reduce water temperature, and wind may cause excessive waves. Swimmers are expected to be acclimatized to cooler water.
Swimmers may raise their hand in the air to signal that they need assistance.
Swimmers are to dry and dress as quickly after their swim as possible.