1. Swimmers must attend their race briefing. All race briefings will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of each race.

2. Swimmers must start the race within the designated area, as indicated in the race briefing.

3. In the Epic Swim recreational events, wetsuits are not compulsory but are recommended for first time swimmers and swimmers not accustomed to swimming in cold, open water.

4. Swim caps are compulsory and will be supplied at the registration.

5. Swimmers must be capable of completing the full distance that they have entered. If you are unsure of your ability, enter a shorter race.

6. Epic swimmers must swim round buoys as instructed in the race-briefing. Disqualification may occur if this rule is not abided by.

7. Un-sportsman-like behaviours will not be permitted and will result in disqualification.

8. All wetsuits and feeders must be checked by the Check Clean Dry Team at registration. If you have been swimming in freshwater recently please wash any equipment before entry into Lake Taupo using a 5% detergent solution. 

9. Swim paddles and fins are NOT permitted.

10. Epic Swimmers are not permitted to have support craft on or around the course.

11. The organiser has/holds the right to remove or prevent someone from starting or completing the event at their discretion, and any decision made by Epic personnel is ULTIMATE AND FINAL.

12. If conditions are not appropriate for the safe undertaking of the event, it may be delayed, moved to a different course or cancelled. Participants in the Saturday events must be prepared to swim on Sunday if the conditions are not appropriate.

13. Membership to a SNZ club is not a requirement to participate in recreational Epic Swim events. To participate in the NZ Open Water Championships, you must be a current member of a SNZ club.

14. If you require assistance during the swim or observe any other athlete in distress, raise one arm so our water safety personnel can assist.

15. After your race briefing, all swimmers must enter the water through the start chute prior to heading out to the deep water start. Participants must swipe their timing clips on the timing mats to give us an accurate record of the exact swimmers in the water.

16. Do not swim over people. If you wish to get ahead of a swimmer, swim around them, not over them.