Swim safety
Long distance open-water swimming in groups is common and can be safe. Safety and swim logistics for Swim for Haiti are inspired by open-water amateur swim tours such as www.swimtrek.com and well-established swims such as the annual Hellespont-Dardanelles Swim (4 km from Europe to Asia) where hundreds participate. Long distance open-water swimming is not uncommon, even in the waters around Haiti where swimmers have even made the swim from the coast to Ile la Vache. More information on long open water swims around the world can be found at www.openwaterswimming.com
Swimmers will be accompanied by boats for safety. Any swimmer can get out of the water and stop swimming at any time if they no longer feel safe; swimmers are welcome to swim with fins or other swim aids such as emergency flotation devices.
Local fisherman have been recruited to support the swim. Hundreds of local fishermen ply the water each day in dugout canoes known as bwa fouye. During our long swim, each swimmer will be accompanied by a bwa fouye who can hold water, food, and other supplies for each swimmer. The canoes will be guided from a distance by small motor boats which are in turn guided by a large boat. Jetskis will patrol the perimeter to ensure safety and act as fast-moving watercraft. If any swimmer requires assistance or needs to get out of the water, the bwa fouye can signal the small motor boats for transport to the large boat or to emergency services on shore. Boat collision with swimmers is one of the highest risks in a swim such as this. We can mitigate the risk with this support model.
First Responders will be on each small boat and an EMTs will be on standby both on the water and on land in case of a medical emergency. Hero Client Rescue will provide ambulance and emergency services.
Swimmers will be accompanied by boats for safety. Any swimmer can get out of the water and stop swimming at any time if they no longer feel safe; swimmers are welcome to swim with fins or other swim aids such as emergency flotation devices.
Local fisherman have been recruited to support the swim. Hundreds of local fishermen ply the water each day in dugout canoes known as bwa fouye. During our long swim, each swimmer will be accompanied by a bwa fouye who can hold water, food, and other supplies for each swimmer. The canoes will be guided from a distance by small motor boats which are in turn guided by a large boat. Jetskis will patrol the perimeter to ensure safety and act as fast-moving watercraft. If any swimmer requires assistance or needs to get out of the water, the bwa fouye can signal the small motor boats for transport to the large boat or to emergency services on shore. Boat collision with swimmers is one of the highest risks in a swim such as this. We can mitigate the risk with this support model.
First Responders will be on each small boat and an EMTs will be on standby both on the water and on land in case of a medical emergency. Hero Client Rescue will provide ambulance and emergency services.
Jellyfish and sharks?
Jelly fish stings are the primary hazard, although they are more likely to be an annoyance than a danger for most of us. Regardless, swimmers are encouraged to take precautions against jelly fish stings such as wearing rash guards, sting suits, or applying SeaSafe which we will have several bottles of at the event.
Shark attacks are rare. Anywhere. In Haiti, there have been 4 reported attacks in the last 200 years. The last reported fatality was in 1921. The most dangerous thing you'll do on this swim event is driving out to the beach on Route National 1.
Boats will support (follow) as they swim and provide liquids, food, and medical help if needed. If a swimmer wants to get out of the water and drink Prestige, the boats are there.
To date, the most serious hazard encountered have been moon jellyfish which tend to appear near the main shoreline.
All swimmers are required to attend the safety briefing at 6pm on Saturday, February 18th at Wahoo Bay
Ultimately, however, the responsibility for the decision and for your safety is yours.