Swimming - Open water

Minimum age for competition is 18 years. If you are entering the 18-year-old age division, you must be 18 before the day of competition.

18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, 100+

* Swimmers can only enter one event.

• 3.0km swim, Female/Male
• 1.5km swim Female/Male

• The swimming competition is open to all competitors including members of Masters Swimming Australia, International masters members, and non-masters members
• Only well prepared and medically fit swimmers should enter
• Entries are limited to 70 in total across the 1.5km and 3km events.  Once all are sold out, no additional entries will be released.
• All Masters Swimming Australia Open Water Swimming Rules apply See https://mastersswimming.org.au/rules-and-policies/msa-competition-rules/open-water-swimming-rules/.  No jewellery, including watches are to be worn. Fingernails are to be trimmed and will be checked at registration.
• Swim cap and numbering - Swimmers must arrive in plenty of time to check-in, be issued with their mandatory swim cap, timing device and be numbered.
• Course map – The Course map is provided shortly and is subject to change. (
• Cut-off times - Swimmers must be able to complete the 3km event in 90 minutes or less or the 1.5km event in 60 minutes or less. Any swimmers remaining in the water will be directed to finish and exit the water.
• Timing – swimmers will be issued with electronic timing devices.
• Swim devices - The use of any device that may aid their speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, power bands, GPS or pace watch, etc.) is not permitted.  Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the referee.
• Water temperature and swimsuit ruling - The water temperature shall be measured within 30 minutes before the event start. Historically the lake water temperature is between 22-24 degrees in June. Wetsuits are permitted but in wearing, swimmers relinquish their eligibility for age group placing.
• Multi-class events – multi-class swimmers are always welcome, however there will be no separate Multi-Class events for this swim.
• Water Safety – sufficient safety craft on-water and on-shore will be provided for the number of entries including powered craft and kayaks.
• First Aid – No lifeguards will be in attendance however qualified First Aid personnel will be available.  Any accident or injury should immediately be brought to their attention and to the attention of the Event Director.
• Results Full results will be advised after the event page on the MSQ website and GBRMG Open Water Swimming page.
• Records – As this is an open water swim no records are available.
• Medal Presentation – Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the event and as soon as results are available.  Medals will be awarded to Male and Female, 1^st to 3^rd in each age group and each distance.
• Emergency evacuation - In case of an emergency, you will be directed to leave the water and go to the appropriate muster point and await instructions. If asked to evacuate please do so immediately.
• By nominating to participate in this swim event, all swimmers thereby authorise the Event Director to take whatever action is deemed necessary in the event of an emergency, and persons involved accept responsibility for all costs arising from such action.
• Based on numbers and combinations of entries received, the event organiser reserves the right to make changes to each wave start where necessary.
• Event Schedule:

^Swimmers must check-in BEFORE entering the water. Swimmers are responsible for returning to shore in time to attend the compulsory event briefing. No briefing = No swim!

VENUE:  Lake Barrine, Tablelands Region, Queensland

• Venue Parking – Parking is available in the top car park, please follow signage. Swimmers and supporters are encouraged to take advantage of the bus transfer from Cairns as parking is limited. Parking in only permitted where signposted.  Parking is not permitted on the grass verges or Gillies Highway.
• Domestic animals are NOT permitted in Crater Lakes National Park. Camping is NOT permitted in Crater Lakes National Park. Lake Barrine Teahouse is licensed - no BYO alcohol. Swimmers must be completely dry before entering the Teahouse for the safety of all patrons on the day. Please be mindful of day visitors to Lake Barrine. Lake Barrine Teahouse will be open from 9:00am.
• Getting to Lake Barrine from Cairns - Lake Barrine is about 60km or 1 hour’s drive from Cairns via the Gillies Highway. Approximately 5 minutes after reaching the top of the Gillies Highway, turn left at the ‘Lake Barrine National Park’ sign.
• Getting to Lake Barrine from Atherton - Lake Barrine is about 22km or 20 minutes from Atherton via the Gordonvale Atherton Road. Approximately 8km past Yungaburra, the turnoff to Lake Barrine National Park is on your right. Please allow extra travelling time if the roads are wet.

BUS TRANSFER

• Optional Bus transfer ex Cairns - Cairns Bus Charters will be providing a transfer service available for swim and accompanying family, supporters and/or spectators.
  Cost: $50 return per person
• Departure times (arriving at Lake Barrine at 8:00 AM):
  • 6:00 AM - Tobruk Memorial Pool (370 Sheridan Street, Cairns North)
  • 6:10 AM - Accor Novotel Oasis (122 Lake Street, Cairns City)
  • 6:20 AM - Pullman Cairns International Hotel (17 Abbott Street, Cairns City)
• Arrival times (leaving Lake Barrine at 12:00 PM):
  • 1:20 PM - Pullman Cairns International Hotel (17 Abbott Street, Cairns City)
  • 1:30 PM - Accor Novotel Oasis (122 Lake Street, Cairns City)
  • 1:40 PM - Tobruk Memorial Pool (370 Sheridan Street, Cairns North)
• Additional information:

*Limited number of seats are available, please book early.
*Bus will be air-conditioned with seatbelts.
*Only bottled water and dry food snacks are to be consumed on board.
*No alcohol is permitted to be consumed on board the bus

SPORT ORGANISER: Masters Swimming Queensland

CONTACT: Gaby Donnelly, Event Coordinator

NUMBER: 0423 407 220

EMAIL: events@mastersswimmingqld.org.au