2010 MIMS Relay Policy (Frequent Participant Policy)

There are at most 19 relay team slots set aside for the 2010 MIMS. Relays must consist of either 2, 4, or 6 swimmers; no other configurations are allowed. Since there is inevitably interest among more swimmers than can safely be accommodated, NYC Swim has established the policy delineated below to reward its most dedicated and loyal volunteers/swimmers during the 2009 Swim Series with relay enrollment preference.

CATEGORY A (3 slots) - Entry Preference earned through active participation (swimming and volunteering)

For the 2010 MIMS, individuals will receive one point for swimming in a event, one point for volunteering for an entire event or for a portion of the Manhattan Swim, 1.5 points for swimming and volunteering at the same event or on the same day, and 2 points for volunteering for the entire Manhattan or Ederle Swims. (Individuals serving as swimmers' crew members do not accrue any points.) Points can be shared among teammates, but no member can have fewer than 6 points to be eligible to be a member of a team. In order to qualify in this category in 2010:

           • 2-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 18 points in 2009
           • 4-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 35 points in 2009
           • 6-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 50 points in 2009
           • Each participant on the team must have volunteered or swum in at least four events in 2009

Note: Relay alternates must also have at least 6 points and have volunteered or swum in at least four events in 2009. Points accrued by alternates are not counted in the team minimums listed above.

Those individuals who are volunteering as a means of accruing frequent participant points for 2010 must enroll online as a volunteer in advance of the event, must be accepted for an available position, and must check in with the volunteer coordinator on the day of the event in order to receive volunteer credit.

A maximum of two 2-person relay teams may qualify under the Frequent Participant Policy. If more than three teams qualify in the Frequent Participant Category, enrollments will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Any qualified teams that are not accepted may re-apply for open relay status. If fewer than three teams qualify in the Frequent Participant Category, NYC Swim will allocate the remaining slots to solo or relay entrants based on the strength of the individual applications.

CATEGORY B (6 slots) -- Competing for entry through general pool (no entry preference)

Six relay slots will be allocated on a first-applied, first-admitted basis. The team has "applied" when all of the team members have completed the application and met the MIMS qualifying standards. Two of the Category B slots will be reserved for relay teams of which at least half the members are non-U.S. residents. If there are not enough applicants from outside the United States, preference for these slots will be given to teams from outside the New York area. Up to three additional slots may be available from the discretionary pool.

CATEGORY C (10 slots) - Entry Preference earned through fundraising activities

Ten relay slots will be reserved for teams that fundraise, including corporate teams sponsored by the swimmers' employer. The minimum fundraising commitment for the non-corporate teams will be $5,000 for 2-person relays, $7,500 for 4-person relays, and $10,000 for 6-person relays. The entire specified minimum amount, and 25% of the proceeds over that minimum, will aid NYC Swim's learn-to-swim and water quality efforts. All the remaining proceeds will go to the charity of the team's choice. If fewer than ten relay teams choose to fundraise, the unused slots will NOT be reallocated to solo or other relay categories.

Run Rules (Aquathlon)

It is the participants’ responsibility to be familiar with the course directions. All turns on the run course will be marked by orange cones, directional arrows on the ground, or signs. We recommend that you read and learn the run course before you race it.

The run course is open to other recreational traffic including runners, walkers and cyclists. You must obey traffic rules at all times. Run with the direction of traffic and stay on the right of the path at all times unless directed to do otherwise by race officials. There is a 2-minute penalty for interfering with the normal flow of traffic.

No locomotion other than running or walking is permitted on the run segment.

We do not require that you wear shoes, but we strongly recommend that everyone wears them. The run uses public walkways that may be covered by glass or other sharp objects. Runners wishing to run barefoot do so at their own risk.

Torso coverage is required for all competitors.

The race number must be worn on the front of the body and be clearly visible at all times during the run. Modifying, cutting, or folding of race numbers is prohibited. If your run number is not visible during the run segment of the race, you will receive a 2-minute penalty.

Participants are not allowed to use headphones, earphones, or any other equipment that acts as an impediment to hearing, vision, or concentration during the event.

After crossing the finish line, all participants must stay in finishing order in the chute. Timing chips must be removed and handed to the race officials at the end of the timing chute.

Award winners must be present at the post-race awards ceremony to claim their award.

Pre- and post-race refreshments as well as aid stations are provided for race participants only.

Race Violations Resulting in 2-Minute Penalties (Aquathlon)

· Race gear not placed in assigned space in transition area.
· Race gear not placed in participants’ transition bag before the run and/or transition bag not deposited in drop zone by participant before beginning run segment of race.
· Accepting outside assistance.
· Pacing by non-participant.
· Interfering with the normal flow of traffic on the run course.
· Race number not visible on the front of the body at any point during the run.
· Running off designated course.

Race Violations Resulting in Disqualification (Aquathlon)

· Failure to follow the instructions of race officials or management.
· Unsportsmanlike conduct or abuse of any volunteer, race official, event staff, or any other participant.
· Failure to wear an official race swim cap throughout the swimming segment of the race.
· Use of a surfboard or other water safety vessel for forward progress or for extended periods of rest (more than 60 seconds).
· Use of glass containers anywhere on the race course or in the transition area.
· Leaving or discarding equipment on the race course.
· Use of any equipment that acts as an impediment to hearing, vision, or concentration during any portion of the race.
· Indecent exposure.

2011 MIMS Relay Categories

There are at least 9 and up to 22 relay team slots set aside for the 2011 MIMS. Relays must consist of either 2, 4, or 6 swimmers; no other configurations are allowed. Since there is inevitably interest among more swimmers than can safely be accommodated, NYC Swim has established the policy delineated below.

CATEGORY A (3 slots) - Entry Preference earned through active participation (swimming and volunteering)
The Frequent Participant relay slots are set aside to reward NYC Swim's most dedicated and loyal volunteers/swimmers during the 2010 Swim Series with relay enrollment preference. For the 2011 MIMS, individuals will receive one point for swimming in an event, one point for volunteering for an entire event or for a portion of the Manhattan Swim, 1.5 points for swimming and volunteering at the same event or on the same day, and 2 points for volunteering for the entire Manhattan or Ederle Swims. (Individuals serving as swimmers' crew members do not accrue any points.) Points can be shared among teammates, but no member can have fewer than 6 points to be eligible to be a member of a team. In order to qualify in this category in 2011:

           • 2-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 18 points in 2010
           • 4-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 35 points in 2010
           • 6-person relay teams must accumulate a combined total of 50 points in 2010
           • Each participant on the team must have volunteered or swum in at least four events in 2010

Note: Relay alternates must also have at least 6 points and have volunteered or swum in at least four events in 2010. Points accrued by alternates are not counted in the team minimums listed above.

Those individuals who are volunteering as a means of accruing frequent participant points for 2011 must enroll online as a volunteer in advance of the event, must be accepted for an available position, and must check in with the volunteer coordinator on the day of the event in order to receive volunteer credit.

A maximum of two 2-person relay teams may qualify under the Frequent Participant Category. If more than three teams qualify in this category, enrollments will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Any qualified teams that are not accepted may re-apply for open relay status. If fewer than three teams qualify in the Frequent Participant Category, NYC Swim will allocate the remaining slots to solo or relay entrants based on the strength of the individual applications.

CATEGORY B (minimum 6 slots) -- Competing for entry through general pool (no entry preference)
Six relay slots will be allocated on a first-applied, first-admitted basis. The team has "applied" when all of the team members have completed the application. Two of the Category B slots will be reserved for relay teams of which at least half the members are non-U.S. residents. If there are not enough applicants from outside the United States, preference for these slots will be given to teams from outside the New York area. Up to three additional slots may be available from the discretionary pool as specified above.

CATEGORY C (3 slots) - Entry Preference earned through fundraising activities for Swim Free™
Three relay slots will be reserved for teams that commit to fundraise for Swim Free™. The minimum fundraising commitment, which is in addition to the entry fee, will be $5,000 for 2-person relays, $6,000 for 4-person relays, and $8,000 for 6-person relays.

Enrollment for Category C relay teams will remain open until all slots are filled or November 15, 2010, whichever occurs first. If fewer than three fundraising relay teams enroll, the unused slots will NOT be reallocated to solo or other relay categories.

CATEGORY D (10 slots) - Entry for corporate teams sponsored by the swimmers' employer
Corporate teams, which must be composed of qualified swimmers, receive VIP service in exchange for the premium entry fee. Benefits include company's logo included on MIMS souvenir t-shirts, on their race boat and other race paraphernalia, top grade support boat, no fundraising requirements, etc. The teams will compete in two award classes: Overall Relay and a separate Corporate Relay division to recognize the fastest corporate sponsored team.

Enrollment for Category D relay teams will remain open until all slots are filled or May 18, 2011, whichever occurs first. If fewer than ten corporate relay teams enroll, the unused slots will NOT be reallocated to solo or other relay categories.

Acceptance and Rejection - MIMS 2010

All applicants will be notified of their status no later than one month after the Enrollment Day. Accepted applicants' credit cards will be charged promptly. All qualified applicants who are not accepted may be considered for placement on a Waiting List. If we are able to expand the field, or if any accepted solo swimmers or relay teams withdraw, we will offer spaces to those applicants on the Waiting List, based on the order in which the applications were completed, with consideration given to the Field Diversity objectives listed above. For relay slots, preference will be given to waitlisted teams of the same size as the withdrawing team. Applicants who are on the waiting list are advised to have their enrollments as complete as possible in the event that additional MIMS slots become available.

Applicants who are accepted off the Waiting List will have their credit card charged once the applicant has accepted the enrollment offer. These applicants are required to submit proof of their Qualifying Swims and Medical Forms (download here) by the date and time delineated in the Enrollment Timeline.

Application Committee – MIMS 2010

The application committee is made up swimmers who have individually participated multiple times in past MIMS as soloists, relay participants, crew members or observers. They serve on the committee for multiple years and recuse themselves from considering any applicant who presents a conflict of interest.

A committee member may apply for MIMS while sitting on the committee. If he or she is within the automatic acceptance group (the first 15 individuals who complete all aspects of the enrollment process and who meet one or more of the diversity requirements), he or she is afforded a slot and allowed to remain part of the selection process for the remaining slots; otherwise, he or she will recuse him/herself from the entire process.

Application Procedures - MIMS 2010

Enrollment for Frequent Participant relay teams is scheduled to open at 1:00 p.m. EST on November 1, 2009, and for solo swimmers and open relay entries at 1:00 p.m. EST on November 2, 2009. Enrollment for fundraising and corporate relays is expected to open in February 2010.

Registration for the race will fill up quickly, so if you intend to apply, please plan to study the instructions and prepare as much of your application as possible before registration goes live. You may wish to review the procedures for an idea of what you can expect.

For insights on the selection process, see MIMS Application Committee member Ned Denison's write-up on the selection of the 2010 solo field.

Charity – MIMS 2010

NYC Swim’s events are opportunities for individuals and companies to raise funds for their preferred charity. NYC Swim organizes the swim events to help fulfill its organizational mission. Preference will be given to those registrants who elect to utilize NYC Swim’s events as fundraisers.

Applicants who intend to fund-raise (whether in the voluntary or obligatory category) understand and accept that their donations must be processed, tracked, and publicized via NYC Swim’s web site and that not more than 50% of the proceeds raised will go to a third-party charity. Violations of this policy may prevent the swimmer from participating in MIMS and other NYC Swim events.

There are two enrollment classes that govern how participants may fundraise:

Category A&B, Open (voluntary)
Participants who apply and are accepted through the NYC Swim’s open enrollment process may elect to fundraise as a way to enhance their event experience. Participants may choose to fundraise for NYC Swim's Charity only or include a charity of their choice. In that instance, proceeds are split 50/50 with the participant's charity.

Category C (obligatory)
Participants who apply and are accepted for one of the relay slots reserved for fundraisers, including corporate teams, have minimum fundraising requirements separate from the enrollment fees. The MINIMUM fundraising commitment for the non-corporate teams are as follows:

The entire minimum and 25% of the proceeds over the minimum will aid NYC Swim's learn-to-swim and water quality efforts. All the remaining proceeds will go to the charity of the team's choice.

Crew Members and Alternates – MIMS 2010

Solo swimmers must have at least one and no more than two individuals to serve as their support crew aboard their assigned escort boat for this event; 2-person relays are allowed one crew member only. Both Solo and 2-person relay applicants are also allowed to designate one alternate crew member. In order for the swimmer enrollment to be considered complete, the selected crew members and alternates have to agree to support you by completing their crew enrollment, which must be done no later than the date designated on the swimmer timeline. Your enrollment will not be evaluated by the committee all crew members have agreed to support you.

Solo swimmers and two-person relay teams must enroll before any crew members can register. Once the swim enrollment is entered, crew members should login at http://www.nycswim.org/Login.aspx and update their profiles on the "Overview" page. Crew participation can then be confirmed by clicking on the "My Events" link, paging down to "Crew Enrollments" and enrolling.

After enrollment has been completed, you may not change or add crew members. Should a primary crew member become unable to participate in MIMS, you should contact NYC Swim to request a substitution with the designated alternate. All such requests must be submitted no later than 14 days before race day. You may not make substitutions outside of the alternate listed during enrollment.

Enrollment Timeline - MIMS 2010

Please check the timeline for Swimmers, which displays the ultimate deadlines for various enrollment items. Again, enrollments are approved on a first-come, first-serve, first-completed, first-accepted basis; we highly suggest that you submit things sooner than the deadline. Please review the Application Procedures web page for additional information.

Field Diversity – MIMS 2010

Due to the limited number of support boats, kayakers and volunteers available, as well as governmental regulation of the waters surrounding New York City, NYC Swim must limit the number of MIMS participants. Additionally, NYC Swim aspires to have a diverse participant field allowing for a rewarding and enriching experience.

The MIMS field is comprised of the following:
    1.  At least 25 solo swimmers, including (one applicant may satisfy several criteria) at least:
          (a) 5 non-U.S. residents,
          (b) 5 women,
          (c) 5 MIMS veterans, and
          (d) 5 MIMS first-timers
    2.  up to 19 relay teams, with an approximately equal balance among teams with 2, 4 or 6 members.
Two relay slots will be reserved for teams of which at least half the members are non-U.S. residents. If there are not enough applicants from outside the United States, preference for these slots will be given to teams from outside the New York area. If neither are sufficient within 72 hours of enrollment opening, then New York area teams will be given these slots.

Observer Qualifying Swim Details - MIMS 2010

The Observer Qualifying Swim must be continuous open water swimming for a specified time (4 hours for solo applicants, 2.5 hours for 2-person relay applicants; and 30 minutes for 4- and 6-person relay applicants), with in-water feedings for the longer swims. As is the case during the race, the clock continues to run while you feed. You might want to have a few people help you with this swim, preferably your intended crew, to keep a log and feed you while you remain in the water. This is an excellent opportunity to experiment with different hot and cold foods (solids & liquids), feeding intervals, strokes, swimming speeds, stretching, greasing up, etc., to determine what will work for you during the race. It is also permissible to have other swimmers accompany you during this swim. You can go as fast or as slow as you wish. Ideas for a course are swimming laps along a beach (your crew members can easily wade into the water to feed you), or swimming out to a certain point and back (with the possibility of using an escort boat or kayak). You must remain in the water for at least the specified amount of time for your application type, and the water must be the prescribed temperature or lower. Please see our Observer Documented Qualifying Swim document for additional information, qualifying swim log template, and sample logs.

Prescribed Water Temperature - MIMS 2010

The 2010 MIMS Prescribed Water Temperature for Qualifying Swims is 61°F, (16.1°C) or colder.

Prescribed Water Temperature - MIMS 2011

The 2011 MIMS Prescribed Water Temperature for Qualifying Swims is 62°F, (16.5°C) or colder.

Qualifications - MIMS 2010

All applicants (Solo, 2-Person Relay Member, 4-Person Relay Member and 6-Person Relay Member) must document their competency to participate in MIMS. This can be done either by completing:
          1) a similar event or race (Event Based Qualifying Swim), or
          2) a non-event qualifying swim logged by an observer in a Prescribed Water Temp (Observer Qualifying Swim).
Proof of the qualifying swim must be submitted by the date and time delineated in the Enrollment Timeline. NYC Swim will rescind the acceptance of any applicant who fails to submit proof of their Qualifications by that date and time.

Event Based Qualifying Swim

Observer Qualifying Swim

Race Cancellation Policy

All of NYC Swim's events require permits issued by the Coast Guard. These permits are issued subject to prevailing Homeland Security concerns and Maritime Security Levels in the area. If conditions change, the Coast Guard may require that we alter, reschedule or cancel an event.

Our paramount concern is the health and safety of our swimmers and volunteer kayakers. For this reason, we are sometimes forced to cancel races due to unsafe weather conditions or unsanitary water conditions.

After a prolonged or heavy rainfall, it may take several hours to several days before the rivers are again safe for swimmers, due to the trash, untreated storm runoff, and flotsam and jetsam that may flow into Manhattan's water ways. In addition, inclement weather may interfere with our ability to set up a race, forcing us to cancel the event even when the forecast calls for better conditions at the scheduled starting time.

When an event is not cancelled but the New York Harbor’s water quality has been compromised, NYC Swim will inform swimmers of this issue and leave it up to them to decide whether they still wish to participate. Swimming in water that is compromised increases the chances of developing a bacterial infection, and it would be our recommendation that swimmers begin a course of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin immediately after the swim.

The race director has full discretion to cancel a race at any time. In the event of an advance cancellation of an event by NYC Swim:

If the event has a scheduled back-up date:
NYC Swim will automatically transfer the registrations of all approved applicants to the back-up date.

If the event does not have a scheduled back-up date:
If the event cannot be rescheduled, all approved applicants will receive 50% off the entry fee for any NYC Swim race in the current or next season, with the exception of the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, the Manhattan Island Relays, and the Ederle Swim.

If an event has to be canceled or halted while swimmers and race staff are on site, the above advance cancellation policies do not apply. If conditions continue to be unsuitable for allowing swimmers into the water or if the event does not have a scheduled back-up date, race souvenirs will be distributed to all swimmers and volunteers who are present.

Race Rule I: Race Course Time Limitations

The following cutoffs at designated locations throughout the course will be strictly adhered to unless the Race Director determines that conditions warrant an extended time limit. You agree, in accepting the waiver, to be pulled from the race if you do not make these cut-off times:

1. Tribourough Bridge     3 hours 30 minutes
2. Spuyten Duyvil     5 hours 45 minutes
3. 79th Street Boat Basin      7 hours 30 minutes
4. Pier 26      9 hours 10 minutes.

Race Rule II: Clothing

1. One swimsuit (as delineated in NYC Swim’s Traditional Swim Costume, Headgear and Accessories definitions), goggles, earplugs, and grease will be allowed.
2. One race cap will be provided with swimmer's race number and must be worn for the entire race. It may be worn over another silicone or latex cap of the swimmer's choosing. Swimmers may specify their preference for either a latex or silicone race cap.

Race Rule III: Assistance – MIMS 2010

1. Swimmers may not use flotation aids, propulsion devices, or any devices used to maintain body heat. Fins, wet suits, hand paddles or kickboards are prohibited. Swimmers may not use suits that give buoyancy or are heat-retentive.
2. Pacing, drafting and towing are not allowed. Drafting is defined as swimming within five yards of another swimmer for a prolonged time period after the start except as warranted by course conditions.
3. Swimmers may not touch the escort boat, kayak, or any other boat during the event.
4. Swimmers shall be disqualified if there is any physical contact with another swimmer or with other persons or objects.
5. All solo swimmers must bring at least one and no more than two boat crew members. Two-person relay swimmers must bring one boat crew member. NYC Swim will supply the boat captain for all solo swimmers and relay teams. Corporate teams are allowed to secure their own boat captain for the event. A corporate team that supplies its own boater is responsible for reimbursing that boat captain for his or her fuel expenses. Swimmer-recruited boat captains should enroll as volunteers on the NYC Swim website at least two months in advance of the event and must commit to attend the event's orientation conference calls.
6. Swimmers must make their own arrangements for food and feeding assistance.
7. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs is forbidden.
8. Any unsanctioned assistance or materials given to the swimmer will result in disqualification.
9. NYC Swim will assign at least one paddler to each swimmer or relay. Relay teams that are entered as obligatory fundraisers (Category C Relays) and corporate teams may request their own paddler provided that person has appropriate experience. Solo swimmers and other relay teams may also request their own paddler provided that person has appropriate experience and is also a relative or member of the swimmer's club, or has paddled for the swimmer in a previous event. In all cases, if a swimmer-recruited paddler needs NYC Swim to supply a kayak, an additional fee will apply. Swimmer-recruited paddlers should enroll as volunteers on the NYC Swim website at least two months in advance of the event and must commit to attend the event's orientation conference calls.

Race Rule IV: Pollution

The swimmer shall be disqualified if the swimmer or his or her crew members pollute the waterways with cups, trash or other debris before, during or after the competition.

Race Rule V: Personal Promotion

Swimmers may not:

1. Allow crew members to wear T-shirts, caps, etc. during any NYC Swim event that promote third-party sponsors, causes or charities, without NYC Swim's prior approval.
2. Engage personal public relations professionals or agents without NYC Swim's prior written approval, granted at least four weeks prior to the event.

Race Rule VI: Relay Rules - MIMS 2010

1. Relays must consist of two, four or six persons per relay, independent of gender or age. No other configurations are allowed.
2. 4 and 6-person relay swimmers will alternate every forty-five minutes for the first rotation and every thirty minutes thereafter.
3. Two-person relay swimmers will alternate every two hours.
4. Swimmers must alternate within the last 3 minutes of a swimming segment.
5. The order of the swimmers must be set prior to the start of the event and maintained throughout the event.
6. The transition must be executed by approaching the swimmer in the water from behind and is deemed completed once the ENTERING swimmer fully passes the DEPARTING swimmer.
7. No crew members are allowed on the 4- and 6-person escort boats. Two person relays may have only one crew member.

Race Rule VII: Safety Measures

1. Swimmers will be accompanied by an escort boat and kayak provided by NYC Swim.
2. Each escort boat will be equipped with a VHF radio and first aid kit. Crew members are encouraged to bring cell phones.
3. EMS and Coast Guard will be on standby for emergencies.
4. One race official will be assigned to each escort boat and will monitor the swimmer for the entire duration of the race.
5. NYC Swim strongly suggests swimmers make sure that their tetanus vaccinations are current. We also suggest that swimmers be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
6. Race insurance is up to the swimmer's discretion.

Race Rule VIII: Miscellaneous - MIMS 2010

1. All solo and 2-person relay participants must have their physicians complete the medical form (download here). Returning NYC Swim swimmers may use medical forms that were completed and submitted in 2009. English Channel and Catalina Channel medical forms from the same time period will also be accepted, although NYC Swim requires ECGs and chest X rays for those over 40 or who have any previous history of chest disease.
2. The organizers may change the starting time of the race if weather conditions are unfavorable.
3. All swimmers and crew members are required to attend the mandatory general meeting to receive final instructions (meeting times and location will be listed on the timeline).

Relay Team Alternate and Substitution Policy - MIMS 2010

On Enrollment Day, relay team captains may list alternate swimmers as part of their teams as follows: 1 alternate for 4-person relays; 2 alternates for 6-person relays. (NOTE: 2-person relays may not have alternates.) These specified alternates must meet the same qualification criteria as the primary members of the relay team. After enrollment has been completed, relays may not add alternate swimmers to the teams.

Should a primary member of the team become unable to participate in MIMS due to a documented medical condition, the team captain should contact NYC Swim and request a substitution with an approved alternate. All such requests must be submitted no later than 14 days before race day. Substitutions for other than medical reasons may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Teams may not make substitutions outside of the approved alternates. If a relay swimmer has to withdraw and the team does not have an approved alternate to substitute for that swimmer, or if the alternate has not done his or her qualifying swim yet, the team’s slot will be forfeited.

Safety Policy

The race officials have authority to pull a swimmer from the water at any time for the swimmer’s own safety. Potentially dangerous conditions may include, without limitation, hypothermia, changes to weather or water conditions, or interference by shipping or other watercraft traffic. The race courses are patrolled by lifeguards and government safety officials, and each race includes a medical team. The race officials shall have full discretion to pull any swimmer from the water for safety reasons, and to determine when and if the swimmer may resume swimming.

Substitution and Withdrawal Policy

Swim Series Withdrawal Policy (with the exception of the Manhattan Swim, the Manhattan Relays, and the Ederle Swim)
NYC Swim will not reimburse registered swimmers who voluntarily withdraw, do not show, or fail to submit sufficient qualifications to meet the event’s requirements to participate. (This is because NYC Swim incurs nearly all race expenses before race day. If you are not sure you will be able to meet a specific event’s requirements to participate, please delay your enrollment until you are able to do so.)

Process for Submitting Medical Withdrawal Documentation
If your inability to participate is due to a medical reason, please e-mail info@nycswim.org or fax (+1 212-784-6850) verification from a medical professional for review by NYC Swim no less than two weeks prior to race date. Swimmers who withdraw in this manner will receive 50% off the entry fee for any NYC Swim race in the current or next season, with the exception of the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, the Manhattan Island Relays, and the Ederle Swim. The credit must be used within 365 days of the date of issue.

No Sale or Transfer Permitted
No entrant may sell, trade, or otherwise allow another person to use an entry. Anyone found to be participating under another person’s entry will be disqualified from the event, and both the participant and the original registrant will be barred from all future NYC Swim events. NYC Swim will not grant any other refunds, credits, or exchanges, except in instances where we are forced to cancel an event (see Race Cancellation Policy, above).

Withdrawal by Applicant - MIMS 2010

Accepted swimmers and relays may withdraw from the race at any time and for any reason. If you decide to withdraw, your entry fee may be refunded as follows:

Accepted swimmers and relays who withdraw more than 90 days before MIMS Race Day will receive a refund of all application fees other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees.

Accepted swimmers and relays who withdraw 60 - 90 days before MIMS Race Day will receive a refund of 50% of their application fees, other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees. NYC Swim will endeavor to replace the withdrawn swimmer/relay with another qualified swimmer/relay from the waitlist. In that event, NYC Swim will refund the withdrawn swimmer's/relay team's application fee in full, other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees.

Accepted swimmers and relays who withdraw 30 - 59 days before MIMS Race Day will receive a refund of 25% of their application fee, other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees. If NYC Swim is able to replace the withdrawn swimmer/relay with another qualified swimmer/relay from the waitlist, NYC Swim will refund 50% of the withdrawn swimmer's/relay team's application fee, other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees.

Accepted swimmers who withdraw fewer than 30 days before MIMS Race Day will not receive a refund of their application fee. If NYC Swim is able to replace the withdrawn swimmer/relay with another qualified swimmer/relay from the waitlist, NYC Swim will refund 25% of the withdrawn swimmer's/relay team's application fee, other than the $100 enrollment and processing fees.