Preamble

The following rules apply to the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA 2024 swimming event, organized by Top Time Eventos S.L.U. and promoted by the City Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The event is funded and sponsored by the Gran Canaria Tourism Board, the Gran Canaria Island Sports Institute, and Promotur Islas Canarias.

In case of any doubt regarding the interpretation of the rules, the opinion and decision of the organization will prevail. By registering, all participants fully accept these rules. Acceptance of these Rules implies acceptance of the participants’ liability waiver detailed in Article 25.

Article 1.- DATE AND PLACE

The MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA will take place on September 14, 2024. The starts will be according to the schedule on the official event website.

Article 2.- PARTICIPATION AND MINIMUM AGE

Anyone, whether affiliated with a federation or not, of any nationality, who correctly processes their registration, may participate.

Promo 1,000m

This event is authorized for those who are 16 years or older by the year of the event. Participants under 18 years old on the day of the event must present parental authorization when collecting the race packet.

Those born in 2008 and 2009 may participate as long as they are registered swimmers with a federation for the current year. The validity of the licenses will be verified with the Canary Islands Swimming Federation. If a valid license is not held, participation will not be allowed, and the registration fee will be forfeited.

Popular 2,000m

This event is authorized for those who are 16 years or older by the year of the event. Participants under 18 years old on the day of the event must present parental authorization when collecting the race packet and must be registered swimmers with a federation for the current year. Non-federated minor participants must provide a brief sports resume showing they are capable of completing the event.

The validity of the licenses will be verified with the Canary Islands Swimming Federation. If a valid license is not held, participation will not be allowed, and the registration fee will be forfeited.

Long 7,400m

This event is authorized only for those who are 18 years or older by the year of the event.

[Download Parental Authorization]

Article 3.- REGISTRATION, DEADLINES, AND PRICES

Registration 1st Deadline: WELCOME RATE FROM 8:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 TO 11:59 PM ON THAT DAY.

• 1,000m Swim: €20
• 2,000m Swim: €30
• 7,400m Swim: €50

Registration 2nd Deadline: FROM 00:00 AM ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 TO 11:59 PM ON AUGUST 31.

• 1,000m Swim: €25
• 2,000m Swim: €35
• 7,400m Swim: €55

Registration 3rd Deadline: FROM 00:00 AM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 TO 11:59 PM ON SEPTEMBER 9.

• 1,000m Swim: €30
• 2,000m Swim: €40
• 7,400m Swim: €70

Article 4.- REGISTRATION

To register, visit the website: www.maspalomasopenwater.com

Places available by distance:

• 1,000m Swim: 200 spots
• 2,000m Swim: 300 spots
• 7,400m Swim: 150 spots

Once the number of available spots is filled, a waiting list will be opened.

Registrations will not be processed outside the defined deadlines.

A registration is considered completed when the payment has been made, and you will receive an email confirming your registration. It is not necessary to print any proof for material collection.

Check the status of your registration in the REGISTRATIONS section under the CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION button.

Article 5.- WAITING LIST

The waiting list will include all individuals who have requested a spot through registration.

The organization will use email and mobile phone to contact them for any substitution matters. If contact cannot be made after two attempts at different times and by different means, the spot will pass to the next person on the waiting list.

Article 6.- PERSONAL AND NON-TRANSFERABLE

Registration is personal and non-transferable. Under no circumstances will the fee be refunded, whether you cancel in advance or do not show up for the event. Participation cannot be transferred to another person, friend, or family member if you are unable to attend on the day of the event.

Article 7.- IDENTIFICATION

It is essential to present an ID card or any other official document verifying identity to collect the race packet.

You may collect the race packet for someone else at their assigned time by presenting a signed authorization accompanied by a copy of the affected person’s ID.

The swim cap, race number on the hand, and the chip worn on the ankle are mandatory and must be worn by the swimmer throughout the event.

Article 8.- START

Start Locations:

• 1,000m Swim: From the sand in front of the Maspalomas pond.
• 2,000m Swim: From Meloneras Beach.
• 7,400m Swim: From El Pajar Beach.

Event Schedule: Version 30/07/2024

Friday, September 13

• 17:00 to 20:00 – Participant packet pickup. Maspalomas Lighthouse. 7,400m, 2,000m, and 1,000m categories.

Saturday, September 14

• 08:00 – Venue opens. Maspalomas Lighthouse.
• 08:00 – Registration opens for race packet pickup. 2,000m and 1,000m categories.
• 08:30 – Shuttle departs for El Pajar Beach for the 7,400m swim.
• 09:30 – Start of the 7,400m swim.
• 09:35 – Briefing for 2,000m swim participants.
• 09:45 – Guided departure for 2,000m swim participants to Meloneras Beach (accessible vehicle support: coordinacion@toptime.es).
• 10:30 – Start of the 2,000m swim.
• 10:45 – Closure of registration and race packet pickup.
• 10:45 – Briefing for 1,000m swim participants.
• 10:55 – Guided departure to the start location for 1,000m swim participants.
• 11:30 – Start of the 1,000m swim.

Awards will be presented at the finish line as categories conclude. / Live music.

• 13:00 – Finish line closure.

Start times will be scheduled according to participation and will be published and communicated to participants upon registration closure.

Chip reading will establish the actual start time for each participant to determine net time.

Start times will be published in advance and communicated to all participants.

Swimmers must be at the start area 10 minutes before their assigned time. Announcements will be made via loudspeaker for organized start formations. If a participant arrives late for their start time, their published start time will be respected.

The judge will start the event with a loud horn.

Article 9.- SWIMWEAR USAGE

The FINA rule approved by the Bureau on January 16, 2010, will be applied. For open water swimming, both men and women’s swimsuits must not cover the neck, extend beyond the shoulders, or go below the ankles.

Article 10.- USE OF WETSUITS, SWIM BUOYS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

Promo 1,000m: Wetsuits may be used if the water temperature is below 21°C on the day of the event, and swimmers over 50 years old may use them at all times. Swim buoys are not required for this category but can be used for safety.

Popular 2,000m: Wetsuits may be used if the water temperature is below 21°C on the day of the event, and swimmers over 50 years old may use them at all times. Swim buoys are not required for this category but can be used for safety.

Long 7,400m: Swim buoys are mandatory. Wetsuits are recommended.

Article 11.- COURSE

• 1,000m Swim: Coastal area in front of the Maspalomas pond and Maspalomas Lighthouse.
• 2,000m Swim: Coastal area between Meloneras Beach and Maspalomas Lighthouse.
• 7,400m Swim: Coastal area between El Pajar Beach and Maspalomas Lighthouse.

Article 12.- TIME LIMIT

The finish line will close at 13:00. After this time, any swimmer still in the water will be collected by the organization.

The race doctor can remove a swimmer from the water if deemed necessary for the participant’s integrity and event safety at any time.

Due to any sea conditions or justifiable setbacks affecting swimmer safety, the organization may remove participants from the water at any time.

Article 13.- JUDGES AND DISQUALIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

Judges and safety personnel have the authority to disqualify or remove a swimmer from the water if they are inconsistent, show signs of hypothermia, or present any other risk to their own safety. This also applies to those who deviate more than 50 meters from the marked course and to anyone whose actions, in the judge’s opinion, pose a danger to the swimmer or the conduct of the event.

Article 14.- SAFETY AND COURSE

Buoys will be placed along the course to serve as reference points and ensure swimmer safety.

Participants are required to be familiar with the course and the route of the event.

Article 15.- EXTERNAL MARITIME AGENTS

The circulation of any vessel not under the organization’s control is strictly prohibited within a 100-meter radius on either side of the marked course line.

Article 16.- SUPPORT VESSELS

Boats or kayaks wishing to assist in the control of the event must contact the organization well in advance to receive the safety guidelines and identification collection for the event.

Article 17.- FINISH

The event concludes with the arrival at the Finish Line after passing through the control arch. Swimmers can collect refreshments and their race packet from the wardrobe.

Article 18.- REASONS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

The following will result in disqualification:

• Incorrect identification according to these rules.
• Starting before the official signal from the start judge.
• Using any type of vessel or auxiliary equipment to improve performance in the water (e.g., fins, paddles, snorkels) or to reduce the distance swum.
• Disrupting the progress of other swimmers, violating basic rules of respect and «Fair Play.»
• Entering the finish line from any location other than the designated finish area.
• Not wearing the event swim cap.
• Not wearing the event timing chip.
• Not adhering to the established safety protocols of the event.
• Failing to complete the course correctly as outlined, leading to disqualification and a two-year ban from participating in the Open Water Series from the date of disqualification.
• Any other circumstance not covered in these rules but deemed disqualifiable by the organization.

Article 19.- CATEGORIES

The reference age for the category will be the participant’s age as of December 31 of the current year.

• MINORS: 14 to 17 years
• SENIOR: 18 to 24 years
• MASTER A: 25 to 29 years
• MASTER B: 30 to 34 years
• MASTER C: 35 to 39 years
• MASTER D: 40 to 44 years
• MASTER E: 45 to 49 years
• MASTER F: 50 to 54 years
• MASTER G: 55 to 59 years
• MASTER H: 60 to 64 years
• MASTER I: 65 to 69 years
• MASTER J: 70 to 74 years
• MASTER K: 75 to 79 years
• MASTER L: 80 to 85 years

Article 20.- AWARDS

Trophies or prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category by gender.

1,000m Swim:

• Prizes for the top 5 finishers of each gender.

2,000m Swim:

• Trophy for the top 3 finishers of each gender overall.
• Prizes for the top 3 finishers (female and male) in each category.
• Special awards:
  • To the oldest participant
  • To the youngest participant
  • Recognition for adapted athletes

7,400m Swim:

• Trophy for the top 3 finishers of each gender overall.
• Prizes for the top 3 finishers (female and male) in each category.
• Special awards:
  • To the oldest participant
  • To the youngest participant
  • Recognition for adapted athletes

Article 21.- CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT

The organization reserves the right to change the start or finish point, delay the start time, change the date, or cancel the event. If the event begins, it will be considered completed, even if it is canceled during its course.

Article 22.- USE OF PARTICIPANT DATA

Registration implies the authorization for the free use of the participant’s name and photo in media outlets (broadcasts, television programs, or radio) and any other accredited media related to the event.

In accordance with Organic Law 15/1999, of December 13, on the Protection of Personal Data, participation in the event implies consent for the inclusion of the provided personal data into an automated file managed by the organizers. The purpose of this file is for the management and development of the event.

Article 23.- PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY. EXCLUSION OF ORGANIZATION LIABILITY

The event has all the necessary permits for its celebration. While it aims to be an open competition and promote swimming, the organization warns that the event is demanding and carries the inherent risks of open water swimming.

It is the swimmer’s sole responsibility to be fit for the competition, meaning they must be in good general health and have the necessary physical, technical, and mental preparation for a multi-kilometer swim in the sea. Those who do not meet or believe they do not meet these health and preparation requirements should refrain from participating.

By registering, each swimmer declares they are capable of participating in the event without causing additional problems for themselves, other competitors, or the organization. Each swimmer fully and consciously accepts the risks associated with their participation and fully exonerates the organization from any responsibility for damages resulting from participation in the event.

Weather Conditions:

If the organization deems that weather conditions or other factors beyond their control pose a risk to participants’ physical integrity, they may postpone the event or change its course. In such cases, no refund of the registration fee will be provided.

Responsibilities:

The organization disclaims all responsibility for any damage, injury, or harm caused by participation in the event, whether to oneself, others, or caused by third parties to the participant.

By participating, each participant accepts the aforementioned rules, with the organization’s decision prevailing in case of doubt.

Article 24.- RIGHT OF ADMISSION

The right of admission is recognized in Article 59.1.e) of Royal Decree 2816/1982, of August 27, which approves the General Regulation of Police for Spectacles and Recreational Activities, extending to all types of public establishments, whether public or private. The organization reserves this right and the possibility to cancel the registration of any participant if deemed necessary.

Article 25.- MODIFICATIONS

This regulation may be modified, and such modifications will prevail over all previously published rules. Changes will always be made for the benefit of the event, participants, and their safety.

Disclaimer:

By registering for MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER, I agree to abide by the rules governing the race and the race director’s regulations. I accept the rules posted on the organization’s website.

Hereby:

I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for all my belongings and sports equipment during the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA and its related activities.

I affirm and verify that I am physically prepared and sufficiently trained for this competition and have undergone the necessary medical checks. Being physically prepared, I am in good general health, free from any illness, physical defect, or injury that could be aggravated by my participation in the event. If I experience any injury or circumstance during the event that could seriously harm my health, I will notify the organization as soon as possible by raising my hand in the water or at the medical area at the finish.

I agree to bear the cost of any necessary medical treatment due to injury, accident, or illness during the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA. I am aware that this type of competition, held in a natural environment with difficult control, involves additional risks. Therefore, I participate voluntarily and assume all risks and consequences of my participation.

I permit the free use of my name and any images taken during the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA in any publication or media outlet.

I release the organization, event directors, collaborators, sponsors, and volunteers of the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA from any responsibility or claims on my part, including any direct or indirect damages or injuries, and cases of death. This does not apply if the damage or injury is due to negligence or misconduct by the organization.

I have the physical capability, technical skill, and survival resources to ensure my own safety under the conditions of the event. I also have the required sports and safety equipment as specified by the organization, which is in good condition, properly approved, and will be worn throughout the competition.

I understand and commit to following the safety rules and protocols established by the organization for the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA, and to maintaining responsible behavior that does not increase risks to my physical or mental integrity. I will follow the instructions and abide by the decisions made by the organization’s responsible parties (judges, medical personnel, and organizers) regarding safety.

I authorize the event’s medical services to administer any necessary treatment or diagnostic tests, whether or not I am in a position to request them; I commit to withdrawing from the event if they deem it necessary for my health.

I will not use any prohibited substances considered as doping. The organization may conduct doping tests on participants and disqualify those who test positive.

My race number is personal and non-transferable; it cannot be worn by another participant or person in my place.

I understand that the organizing entity reserves the right to admit or not admit any participant, even if the subscription fee has been paid, which would be refunded if not admitted.

I commit to following general environmental respect guidelines:

• Move cautiously along the coast and race circuit.
• Avoid altering ecological processes and natural ecosystem functions.
• Do not damage biotic, geological, cultural resources, or the landscape in general.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive areas.
• Use appropriate places for physiological needs, avoiding doing so in the water or near gathering points.
• Do not discard or abandon solid or liquid waste outside designated collection areas.

During the race, the chip must be worn on the participant’s ankle. No chip means no timing!

The organizers reserve the right to change or modify any race-related information or cancel the event due to force majeure, with updates published on the official website.