Rules & Regulations

Marathon Swimming Australia exists to uphold the integrity, safety and recognition of marathon swimming in Australia. Clear rules and standards ensure that every swim is fairly assessed, safely conducted and meaningfully recognised , now and into the future.

Marathon Swimming Australia recognises the Rules and Regulations of the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA), ensuring that all marathon swims in Australia meet the highest international standards of fairness, safety, and integrity.

These guidelines outline the standard rules, regulations, and protocols that govern open water racing events, marathon solo swims, and relays.

Marathon Swimming Australia adopts the WOWSA Rules and Regulations, save for references to other entities that may record swims as MSA maintains its own records. However, MSA may in its absolute discretion ratify and certify swims that differ from the descriptions used in the WOWSA rules where the circumstances and context require modification.

What Is a Marathon Swim?

In Australia, a marathon swim is defined as an open water swim of 10 kilometres or more, completed without artificial assistance, and conducted in accordance with recognised marathon swimming standards.

Marathon swims may take place in oceans, rivers, bays or lakes and may be undertaken as:

  • Solo Swims, independently planned and observed, or

  • Event Swims, conducted as part of an organised event or crossing.

Core Marathon Swimming Principles

All swims recognised by Marathon Swimming Australia are guided by the following principles:

  • Unassisted swimming: The swimmer must not receive physical assistance that provides forward propulsion or buoyancy.

  • Continuous effort: The swim must be continuous from start to finish, aside from brief pauses for feeding or safety checks.

  • Independent oversight: Solo swims must be observed by an independent observer who verifies compliance.

  • Transparency and documentation: Accurate records of time, conditions and route are essential to preserve integrity and history.

These principles protect swimmers, ensure fairness, and allow meaningful comparison across generations.

Solo Swims – Standards Overview

Solo marathon swims seeking ratification by MSA must:

  • meet the minimum distance requirement (10km or more)

  • be completed unassisted

  • be independently observed

  • comply with recognised marathon swimming rules and equipment standards

  • be supported by appropriate safety and logistical planning

Solo swims are assessed individually and ratified through MSA’s formal submission process.

Event Swims – Standards Overview

Organised events seeking recognition within the Australian Long Swims Database must:

  • operate under recognised marathon swimming rules

  • demonstrate appropriate safety and officiating standards

  • provide clear and verifiable results

  • submit documentation confirming compliance

Event swims are reviewed for eligibility and inclusion, not individual ratification, which the event organisers provide.

Assisted vs Unassisted Swims

Marathon Swimming Australia recognises two categories of marathon swims, consistent with internationally recognised marathon swimming standards.

  1. Unassisted Marathon Swims
    An unassisted marathon swim is completed under traditional marathon swimming rules without the use of performance-enhancing equipment. Swimmers rely solely on their own power while exposed directly to natural water conditions.

    Unassisted swims that meet the required documentation and observation standards may be ratified by Marathon Swimming Australia and recorded as official achievements in the Australian Long Swims Database. Ratified swims are eligible for recognised records and historical benchmarks.

  2. Assisted Marathon Swims
    An assisted marathon swim involves the use of equipment that provides buoyancy, thermal protection, propulsion, or other forms of assistance (for example wetsuits, fins, tow floats, or similar aids).

    These swims are recognised as significant endurance achievements and may be certified when properly documented and observed. Certification formally records the swim and the conditions under which it was completed, including the equipment used.

    However, consistent with international marathon swimming standards, assisted swims are not eligible for official records or ratification.

This distinction helps preserve the integrity and comparability of traditional marathon swimming achievements while still recognising the broad participation and accomplishments of swimmers completing assisted swims.

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