Lake Tahoe Marathon Swimming

Professional Pilots on Lake Tahoe

Rules

What are the rules for a marathon swim in Lake Tahoe?

Simplified, the rules for marathon swimming are -

  • Standard swim costume, one swim cap (silicone or latex), goggles - no neoprene anywhere
  • Only a simple timekeeping device may be worn by the swimmer; no smartwatches or GPS watches (Garmin, Suunto, etc.); no smart goggles (showing pace, time); no tempo trainers; no music players
  • Once you start your swim, you may not touch or have supporting contact with the boat, support vessels, or other persons - even during feeds
  • The swim starts at the designated location according to the Course rules with the swimmer clear of the water and in view of the Observer
  • The swim finishes when the swimmer clears the water at the designated finish location as defined by the Course rules and in view of the Observer

For the complete set of rules, please visit the Rules page at the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.

What is the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association?

The Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association is an all-volunteer board of 7 members from the open water swim community with strong leadership, and the commitment to uphold the integrity in oversight, organization, and record-keeping that had been sorely lacking on Lake Tahoe for decades.   The LTOWSA is current with the state of California in their standing as a California Public Benefits Corporation and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 Non-Profit.

The Association provides observers that are truly independent of the swimmer (not the parent, paid coach, spouse, etc.) to ensure that your swim stands up to any scrutiny. All swim logs and data are reviewed by the swim ratification committee - none of whom could have been on the boat during the swim - to provide true objectivity before a swim is ratified and posted.

As swimmers and pilots, we believe your swim deserves this level of professionalism and integrity.

For full disclosure, we do serve on the board of LTOWSA but do not serve on the sub-committees where there would be a conflict of interest.

Who is the Observer?

The Observer is a trained, impartial, independent person assigned by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association. The Observer cannot be a spouse, partner, family-member, sponsor, coach, or individual who may have a conflict or vested interest in the swim. We believe strongly in upholding the integrity of each swim attempt.

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules, observation, recording, and ratification.

Can I bring my own Observer?

Please contact the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association with questions regarding swim rules, observation, recording, and ratification.

What is a standard swim costume?

A standard 'swim costume' is your basic swimsuit (not a wetsuit, not a technical racing suit).

From the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association Rules:

  • Swimsuits are optional and are their use (or lack of use) is at the sole discretion of the swimmer.

  • All swimsuits must be porous and made from fabric materials and only one swimsuit may be worn at any time. Technical race suits and compression suits are not allowed.

  • Women’s swimsuits may be in one or two pieces, but must not cover the thighs, legs, neck, or extend past the shoulder. Women may swap between one and two-piece suits during an attempt if the swimsuits meet all of the requirements of Section 2.1.

  • Men’s swimsuits must not extend below the thigh or above the waist.

  • Swim caps must be standard-style and constructed from latex or silicone. Only one cap may be worn at a time.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

For marathon swims, wetsuits are not allowed. Only a standard swim costume.

Can I use a swim (tow) float?

No.