NYC SWIM

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll as a crew member?

Enrolling as a crew member is a quick process that can be started before the swimmer enrolls but must be completed after the swimmer has enrolled.

Prior to the Enrollment Day:

Create or update your user profile

Please refer to the User Profile (Enter in Advance) section of the application procedures for fields to complete

Advise your swimmer of the following information in your profile: username, email address(es), your name as shown in the user profile

On Enrollment Day:

Do not create a new User Profile

Wait for the email from the NYC Swim website and/or for the Swimmer to advise you that their enrollment is complete so you can enroll as his/her crew member. To ensure accuracy, the swimmer should designate each crew member by e-mail address.

Login to your user profile

Click on the "My Events" tab

Scroll down to "Crew Enrollments"

Click on "Enroll"

How do I add a photo headshot to my profile?

Adding a headshot to your profile is relatively simple. If you do not have any photos uploaded into your profile:

1. Login to your account
2. Click the "Add Photo" link under the box showing "no photo available"
3. Click "Browse" button to select a file from your computer (JPG format, maximum size 500Kb/800x800; if your file is larger than this, you can reduce it using an online editor such as Pixlr or contact info@nycswim.org for assistance)
4. Click "Save" button

1. Login to your account
2. Click the "Photos" tab
3. Choose one of the pictures and click the "Make this my headshot" link for that photo
4. Confirm that you want to make this your headshot by clicking the "OK" button when prompted

A good friend of mine is swimming in the Manhattan/Ederle Swim. Can I be his/her boat observer?

Sorry — we generally assign boat observers to the boats of people they don't know, so they can act as neutral, impartial race officials. You're still welcome to volunteer for the event, but you would be assigned to a swimmer that you don't have a relationship with.

Are wetsuits allowed?

We take a very simple approach by instituting some very basic swimsuit eligibility rules. Like baseball with the wooden bat, we favor very basic bathing suit designs in lieu of new fabrics and technologies. This has many benefits, including ensuring that proper swim attire is affordable to all economic strata and available at nearly every sporting goods store, and upholding designs and styles used back in the 1920s when open water swimming was in its heyday.

For the Manhattan Swim and the Ederle Swim: All swimming costumes for solo swimmers, 2-person relays, 3-person Team Pursuit teamsn, and NYC Traditional relays must be made of a porous material and conform to the "traditional" swimming suit style. These events do not allow attire that increases buoyancy or heat retention, including wetsuits, neoprene caps, or neoprene socks. Caps shall be defined as headgear conforming to traditional swim cap design and not extending to protect the neck or shoulders. Please consult the Race Rules on the MIMS Policies and Ederle Policies pages for additional details on permitted swimwear.

For the Manhattan Swim NYC Catch'em Relay Teams: Teams may compete in either a wetsuit or a non-wetsuit division. Non-traditional suits, including wetsuits and jammers, are allowed for swimmers on NYC Catch'em Relay Teams competing in the wetsuit division. Teams will be classified as participating in the wetsuit division if one or more swimmers wear non-traditional swim attire during the race.

For the Swim Series: When the water temperature is 68°F (20°C) or higher, only swimmers wearing traditional-style swim suits will be eligible for awards. A traditional-style swim suit is one that is made of a porous material, is sleeveless, and is legless. Women may wear suits that come up to their necks, with the zipper up the back. Men may not wear jammers (since they are not legless) or suits that cover their torsos. Any suit that extends to the thighs or shoulders, reduces drag in the water, increases buoyancy, or improves heat-retention is considered non-traditional. Suits in the non-traditional category (which means they affect award eligibility) include jammers of any type; Speedo LZR Racer, Speedo Aquablade, Speedo FS II, Speedo Fastskin, TYR Aqua Shift, TYR Aquapel, TYR Fusion2, Nike Liftsuit, blue seventy zeropoint3, and suits with similar materials. When the water temperature is below 68°F, all swimmers will be eligible for awards, regardless of whether they wear a traditional swim suit or wetsuit.

For the Aquathlon: Non-traditional suits, including skinsuits, speedsuits and jammers, are allowed for the Aquathlon provided they conform to USAT standards for approved swimwear. When the water temperature is 78°F (25.56°C) or higher, swimmers wearing wetsuits will not be eligible for awards.

For each swim, an official announcement regarding temperature and award eligibility will be made on the website and in a final email to participants no later than two days before the event.

Do I need any shots to participate in the Manhattan or Ederle swims?

Although, we do not require shots for our swims, we do recommend that all swimmers have up-to-date tetanus shots, and some swimmers get a gamma globulin or Hepatitis A shot.

Solo, 2-person relay, and 3-person Team Pursuit swimmers for the Manhattan Island Marathon and solo swimmers for the Ederle Swim are required to submit a medical form completed by their doctor.

What does it take to be a crew member for the Manhattan Island Marathon and Ederle swims?

Crew members are the eyes and the ears of their swimmer. The Manhattan Island Marathon and Ederle swims are fun races, but long ones. Most likely, crew are busy the entire race, meaning a good straight 6 hours of attentiveness — just like the swimmer they support. Crew members are also among the first in line to assist the swimmer in the event that an emergency situation arises and should be selected with those criteria in mind; minors and close family members are generally unsuitable for this role.

Before the race begins, crew need to figure out with their swimmers how they are going to interact during the race so that everyone stays happy and safe. Crew also need to be familiar with the equipment so when their swimmer requests something (like another pair of goggles), the crew member can provide it immediately. It is best to decide before you get on the boat what responsibilities each crew member will have, with the understanding that flexibility may be necessary.

We've tried to think of the key elements involved in being a crew member and listed them below. In practice, crew members may need to improvise as situations occur.

1. Greaseboard/Chalkboard/Megaphone
2. Verbal: Try to keep to a minimum, especially for the swimmer
3. Hand Signals: Determine these, and any others with your swimmer before the race begins
1. OK
2. Closer/Farther away (fast & slow)
3. Stop
4. Danger
5. Thumbs up
6. Boat Traffic
4. When your swimmers completes a request, give your swimmer an OK.
5. SMile a lot

1. Mechanism (ie: Pole/Bucket, Cups over the side (with string). Remember, No polluting!)
2. Preparation
3. Intervals
4. Quick communication during feedings:
   1. Assess the mental and physical state of your swimmer
   2. How are the feedings (taste, quantity) agreeing with your swimmer?
   3. Stretch?

1. Watch out for debris, boats and other swimmers

1. Stroke Rate ............Bring a stop watch or watch with a second hand
2. Course Position ......Bring a detailed map of Map of the Upper and Lower Bay New York Bay
   (We recommend Waterproof chart #62 from www.waterproofcharts.com)


3. Keep a log ..............On notebook paper using a ball point pen

1. Who’s going to take the pictures/video? Pace yourself!

1. Food & Water..........If you eat/drink, do so out of sight
2. Seasickness ..........ditto
3. Bring Sunscreen, hat, rain slicker, sunglasses, change of clothes, and appropriate footwear.
4. Food for your boat captain is also a nice idea