1. Agreeing to the Terms and Conditions
By ticking the box labelled ‘I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of entry’, you agree to enter the Classic and abide by the following conditions, and any instructions given to you by the organisers/officials of the Classic.
2. Contact Details
Important information will be emailed to you using the email address provided upon entry and we may send you documentation after the Classic. You must make sure you provide up to date contact details and update these details, if there are any changes, by logging in via our online swim platform or contacting the LGSA directly via email. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in your application being rejected. The LGSA reserves the right to reject incomplete applications should the missing information not be provided within the deadlines set by the LGSA. Those swimmers with rejected applications will not be allowed to attempt their swim and no refunds will be given.
3. Payments and Refunds
You ensure that all requirements are fulfilled within the deadlines given by the LGSA. A deposit is required to complete your booking and all remaining balances must be paid before the 1st June in the year of your swim. All fees (including the deposit) are non-transferable and non-refundable.
4. Cancellation by you
In the event that you are unable to participate due to a medical reason you must inform the LGSA immediately via email and provide the LGSA with a medical certificate as proof. Refunds will not be given for any other reason. If you cancel due to a medical reason your cancellation is subject to the following terms;
i) 60 days or more before the Classic = 50% refund (minus £5 fee)
ii) less than 60 days before the Classic = no refund will be given
Submission of a medical certificate does not guarantee that it will be accepted. With regards to medical cancellations no refunds will be given unless verified and approved by the LGSA. This is done on a case by case basis and a refund being granted in a previous or similar case does not guarantee that you will also be given a refund.
5. Cancellation by the LGSA
The LGSA may cancel the Classic if circumstances beyond our reasonable control arise including but not limited to;
i) inclement weather conditions
ii) poor water quality
iii) water temperature below 11 degrees celsius
iv) war
v) civil or political unrest
vi) terrorism
In such circumstances we will attempt to restage the Classic as soon as possible, either at the same location or an alternative location and no refunds will be given. You will be informed of any changes at the Classic or earlier if possible. If the LGSA is unable to restage the Classic then we will refund you your race fee only (minus a £5 administration fee). The LGSA has no responsibility for any other costs, including but not limited to travel and accommodation. The Classic is staged in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and we hope you will visit the local area and enjoy your time there.
The LGSA reserves the right to cancel the Classic up to 60 days before the published date if, in our sole discretion, we have not received a sufficient number of applicants to make the Classic economically viable.
6. Your Age and Medical Condition
You must be older than 17 years on the day of the Classic. Any swimmer younger than 18 years must provide the LGSA with consent in writing by a parent or legal guardian. Open water swimming involves strenuous exercise. You should therefore undergo a medical check-up, including an ECG test, before you start training for the Classic. If you have been unwell or have experienced a change in your wellbeing and/or physical state (such as pregnancy) please consult your doctor. You should under no circumstances take part in the Classic if you are not in an appropriate state to do so.
7. Preparation
You must train in open water before participating in the Classic. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully prepared for the Classic. The LGSA cannot be held responsible for any lack of preparation on your part. When swimming during the Classic you may encounter varying weather conditions including waves and choppy water, therefore you must ensure that you are prepared for all types of weather by swimming regularly in open water. Please note when swimming in fresh water you are not as buoyant as when swimming in salt water and as such you may experience different sensations in freshwater. You should ensure that you are aware of the differences when swimming in fresh water and that you are sufficiently prepared.
8. Event Safety and Non-compliance
During the Classic all swimmers must follow the instructions of the organisers and safety staff, before, during and after the start of the swim. The swim may be abandoned for reasons beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, lightening, bad weather or a serious incident during the swim. The LGSA reserves the right to refuse you entry to, or to ask you to cease your participation in the Classic if;
i) you take someone else’s entry, or are involved in the changing of someone’s entry
ii) you fail to follow the instructions of Classic officials/organisers
iii) you attempt to participate in a way which we, in our sole discretion and acting reasonably, believe;
a) may cause harm and/or offence to a Classic official/organiser, or any other Classic participant
b) may cause harm to you
c) may harm the environment
d) causes a risk or potential risk to health and safety
iv) you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
v) you are unfit to participate due to an injury or illness
vi) you fail to check in on time
vii) we, in our sole discretion and acting reasonably, judge that you are unable to swim fast enough to allow you to complete the Classic within the timeframes set by the event organisers and officials.
viii) you take part in any ambush marketing activity
9. Mandatory tow-float
Each participant must wear a tow-float throughout the swim. This is a safety precaution to help visibility in the water. It is not a life saving device and cannot be treated as such. It is up to the individual to be able to swim the distance in varying weather conditions, as a tow-float will not prevent a swimmer from drowning.
10. Event Changes
The LGSA reserves the right to make any amendments to the Classic that it deems necessary in order to stage the swim including, but not limited to, reducing the distance of the swim, changing the swim course or altering the timetable and structure of events. Any changes to the swim will be communicated to you at the Classic itself or sooner if possible. Should the Classic be amended in any way you agree that it has still been staged and that you will not be eligible for any refund.
11. Use of Images
The LGSA reserves the right to use images of you taking part in the Classic for its own purposes. You agree to to publication of photographs and broadcasts of your image which accurately depict your participation in the Classic.
12. Insurance and Liability
If travelling from abroad you must ensure that you have your own appropriate travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip.
In no event will the LGSA be liable to you for any
i) loss or damage
ii) loss of profit
iii) loss of reputation
iv) loss of business, revenue or goodwill
v) pledges made by you (or on your behalf) to charity
vi) consequential or indirect loss
vii) injury or sickness due to your negligence
Nothing in this Agreement shall affect our liability for death or personal injury, fraud, or any other liability to the extent it cannot be excluded or limited by law.
The LGSA has its own appropriate third party liability insurance for the Classic for its own benefit. You acknowledge that you are not entitled to benefit under this insurance from any claim is made against you by a third party for death, personal injury or damage to property as a result, or in connection with, your negligent actions or omissions whilst taking part in the Classic. You will indemnify and keep the LGSA indemnified against any claim made against us by a third party for death, personal injury or damage to property as a result of, or in connection with, your negligent actions or omissions whilst taking part in the Classic.