How to qualify

Only Solo swimmers will be required to qualify for the event.
Relay swimmers MUST be well prepared and swimming fit and must spend time swimming and acclimatizing in cold water ahead of the event.
In order to qualify a Solo swimmer must have:
Completed swimming from Robben Island to the mainland solo within the past three years and recognised by the CLDSA ; or
Completed the 2011 Cadiz Freedom Swim contingency route in Big Bay; or
Swam 5 km open water in temperatures of 15C or below in the past five years or;
Completed one of the qualifying swims in early 2012. Dates as follows:

  1. Sunday 29 Jan, 9am, Camps Bay

  2. Saturday, 25 Feb, 9am, Big Bay (Round the Rocks race)

  3. Monday 21 March, 9am, Camps Bay (Human Rights Day Swim)

  4. These swims are overseen by Tony Sellmeyer (082-457-1242) of the CLDSA who may be contacted for special qualifiers in the event that swimmers absolutely cannot attend any of the above dates.

Any other qualifying requests (outside of Cape Town) must be made to the swim committee chairman Ram Barkai throughinfo@freedomswim.co.za.
Those wanting to arrange alternative qualifying swim dates in Cape Town may seek to do so through the CLDSA's Tony Sellmeyer 082 457 1242 or through event organiser Trevor Ball on 079 558 3168 or info@freedomswim.co.za.

Qualifying conditions are as follows: If the water temperature at qualifying swims is at 14 degrees or lower, swimmers must spend no less than 1.5hrs in the water and be comfortable when emerging. If the water temperature is at 15 degrees, swimmers must be in the water for at least 2hrs.
The Swim Committee shall have full discretion on allowing or preventing a swimmer from participating.