Race Management. A visual system to communicate sea conditions.

/bổ sung risk assessment

There are 6 foreseeable reasons why the event may be reviewed using the colour coded system
below. These are; wind, rain, swell/wave height, ocean pollution marine stingers (jellyfish) water
temperature.

1. Wind – if forecast winds are in excess of 32kpm (18 knots) and are coming from an onshore
direction – North (N), North East (NE), East (E) South East (SE) or South (S)
2. Rain – if rain is heavy and consistent reducing visibility on the course. Heavy rain can also
create runoff into the sea affecting water quality.
3. Swell wave height ( Swell is a wave moving through deep water, a wave is an ocean swell
that has arrived at shallow water to shoal, raise in height, pick up speed and break) – if
waves are over .5m these will cause a problem for some athletes entering the water.
Visibility on the course may be reduced because athletes cannot sight the buoys due to swell
size. Water safety may also have difficulty sighting all athletes between the swells.
4. Ocean Pollution – this could be natural such as “red tide” or similar algal bloom. It could also
be from man made sources- sewage, oil or industrial waste.
5. Marine Stingers/Jellyfish The presence of “sea lice” or tropical jellyfish if in abundance may
cause management problems for water safety and first aid because athletes are swimming
without wetsuits.
6. Water temperature above 28’C raises concerns over athlete hyperthermia and dehydration.
Water temperature below 21’ C raises concerns over athlete hypothermia.

Conditions are good. Race is on schedule to

start.

Caution Race may be delayed - conditions are

not ideal due to wind, rain, waves, currents,
water quality or jellyfish.
Race is delayed, postponed, has a modified
course or cancelled– conditions are not safe for
competitors.

Pre-race Course Monitoring. From Race Day minus 5 it is expected that a report on the 6 areas listed
will be communicated to athletes and management The traffic light system will be used.

Wind Pollution
Jellyfish Water temperature
Rain Swell

Wind Pollution
Jellyfish Water temperature
Rain Swell

Wind Pollution
Jellyfish Water temperature
Rain Swell
Communication to athletes – via social media and race briefing