Tasks of the crew
How to keep your swimmers safe, strong and on course
We Can't Do It Without Our Volunteers!
Equipment Checklist
Canoe or kayak - delivered to Severn Falls before July 22 to be waiting at the start for you on swim day.
Lifejackets for all crew members + 1 extra in your canoe/kayak.
Paddle for each crew member + 1 extra.
Orange safety kit for canoe/kayak (can get from Canadian Tire).
Sunscreen, hat, cover-up clothing for sun and/or rain and/or warmth, fluids, food, watch or other mechanism for timing breaks, something to take notes (if needed), cell phone, towel.
Lifejackets for all crew members + 1 extra in your canoe/kayak.
Paddle for each crew member + 1 extra.
Orange safety kit for canoe/kayak (can get from Canadian Tire).
Sunscreen, hat, cover-up clothing for sun and/or rain and/or warmth, fluids, food, watch or other mechanism for timing breaks, something to take notes (if needed), cell phone, towel.
Your job. . .
a swimmer's view
a swimmer's view
You are the eyes of your
swimmer! She or he will see little from their vantage
point and may or may not be able to swim straight
in moving water. Your canoe or kayak will be the
beacon and direction setter. I usually swim about
3-5 feet off of Steve in our kayak. He sets the
direction and I set the pace. Though (in my tired
state) I am often sure that Steve is going crooked,
he is much better at following landmarks than I
(and assures me that he does not go crooked). Your
goal is for your swimmer to travel the shortest
possible distance.
You are also protection from other boats, and during the sections that your swimmer is close to shore, you will want to be between your swimmer and boat traffic. Boats will be able to see you well before they can see a swimmer and should slow down as they pass.
You are also a timekeeper, as we like to know how long we have been swimming. Those crew who are with relay teams will also watch for the kilometre markers and ensure the safe exit of one swimmer and safe entry of the next.
Your job also includes providing us with fuel (see the "tips" page). To take their breaks, many swimmers will sit on a "noodle" (actually two duct-taped together) that you will pass to them. This helps to keep them afloat, gives them a rest and keeps them above the waves so they don't drink the river while fueling.
I usually break for Gatorade every 20-30 minutes and eating carbohydrates / protein / sugar every hour. Some swimmers like to improvise their break schedule: we usually stop because we are tired and/or low on fuel; be patient with us. Be ready when we break and be encouraging about our progress.
You are also the ears and voice of your swimmer. Steve tells me that many people along the way ask what we are doing, wish us well, clap and cheer us on. Swimmers can't hear much in the water, and it is wonderfully encouraging to hear from you about the positive comments from people along our way. You are our primary cheerleader: encourage, smile, ignore our nasty comments and grumpyness, encourage and encourage. You cannot imagine how much your support means to us. Let us know what you know about how the rest of our team is doing. We will appreciate any information as it helps us keep swimming.
Check with your swimmer well before the swim about how much they want to be pushed when they start to get tired. You need to decide this up front to save disappointment later. I had less than a mile to go on my first swim when I wanted OUT! Steve checked the distance, had me take a break and some refreshment; then he used charm, wit, encouragement and lots of love to get me to finish the last mile. I was so glad that he did.
You are also protection from other boats, and during the sections that your swimmer is close to shore, you will want to be between your swimmer and boat traffic. Boats will be able to see you well before they can see a swimmer and should slow down as they pass.
You are also a timekeeper, as we like to know how long we have been swimming. Those crew who are with relay teams will also watch for the kilometre markers and ensure the safe exit of one swimmer and safe entry of the next.
Your job also includes providing us with fuel (see the "tips" page). To take their breaks, many swimmers will sit on a "noodle" (actually two duct-taped together) that you will pass to them. This helps to keep them afloat, gives them a rest and keeps them above the waves so they don't drink the river while fueling.
I usually break for Gatorade every 20-30 minutes and eating carbohydrates / protein / sugar every hour. Some swimmers like to improvise their break schedule: we usually stop because we are tired and/or low on fuel; be patient with us. Be ready when we break and be encouraging about our progress.
You are also the ears and voice of your swimmer. Steve tells me that many people along the way ask what we are doing, wish us well, clap and cheer us on. Swimmers can't hear much in the water, and it is wonderfully encouraging to hear from you about the positive comments from people along our way. You are our primary cheerleader: encourage, smile, ignore our nasty comments and grumpyness, encourage and encourage. You cannot imagine how much your support means to us. Let us know what you know about how the rest of our team is doing. We will appreciate any information as it helps us keep swimming.
Check with your swimmer well before the swim about how much they want to be pushed when they start to get tired. You need to decide this up front to save disappointment later. I had less than a mile to go on my first swim when I wanted OUT! Steve checked the distance, had me take a break and some refreshment; then he used charm, wit, encouragement and lots of love to get me to finish the last mile. I was so glad that he did.
More. . .
And here
are some other things that crews need to keep in mind...