NYOW marathon swim events follow Marathon Swimmers Federation rules for the most part:

However, there are some points of difference, and we have some additional house rules. In cases where MSF and NYOW rules differ, the NYOW house rules detailed here take precedence.

  • The swimsuit (for both genders) shall be made of porous, textile material. For males, the suit must not extend below the knee or above the waist. For females it must not extend below the knee, onto the neck, or beyond the shoulder.
  • The swim cap shall not offer thermal protection or buoyancy.
  • The observer will have to approve the suit and cap. The swimmer must make sure their suit and cap are of an approved type before starting, as the swim will not be recognized if they do not conform.
  • Swimmers may not wear devices of any kind, digital or analog, including a watch, Garmin, Smart Goggles, heart-rate monitor, or other types of informational, tracking, and/or data devices.
  • No one is allowed to consume alcoholic beverages on the boat.
  • Discarding trash in the water is cause for disqualification from this event. All trash (wrappers, cups, etc.) must be returned to the kayak or boat.
  • Swimmers and crew members must be in good health. If a swimmer or crew person has any signs or symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, they will not be allowed to participate and the swim may be canceled.
  • Use of drones, whether from the boat or from land, is strictly prohibited and cause for disqualification.
  • Individuals listed on the event-day contact list and the boaters engaged by the lead boat captain are the only people allowed on the water in association with the event. Participation by unlisted personnel and/or encroachment by any additional boats arranged by swimmers or crew is strictly prohibited and cause for disqualification. (It is possible for NYOW to arrange for a media RHIB for 2-3 people with adequate advance notice for an additional charge; all additional personnel/media would have to sign our waiver prior to event day.)
  • Participants are responsible for getting to and from the dock for boat loading and unloading at their own risk.
  • If the wearing of masks or any other personal protective equipment are part of the US CDC guidelines at the time of the swim, all parties on board the boats will be responsible for providing their own and will be required to wear them. Kayakers will have the choice as to whether they wish to wear a mask.
  • See also our Boat Observer Resources and Instructions.