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Location: Page 11

GLOSSARY

Proposed by: Open Water Swimming

Purpose: To add Open Water terms as a separate section to the glossary.

CONSIDER ALL UNDERLINED

OFFICIAL GLOSSARY

Open Water Swimming Words and Terms

CHECK POINT--A point along the course where a swimmer’s progress is noted. (OWS)

COUNTDOWN--The announcement at regular intervals of the time remaining before the start of the race. (OWS)

CUTOFF TIME--The time established and announced prior to the start when the race will officially end and all swimmer who have not completed the race distance will be ordered from the course. The time may be a set time or a time after the first swimmer finishes. (OWS)

DRAFTING OR SLIPSTREAMING--Swimming behind or next to another swimmer or support craft for the purpose of taking advantage of the reduced water resistance created by the former’s wake. (OWS)

ESCORT CRAFT--Boats or paddle boards used for the swimmers’ safety and logistical support. (OWS)

FINISH POINT--The physical location where the race terminates. (OWS)

GREASE--Substance used by the swimmers to reduce friction or reduce the loss of body heat during a swim. (OWS)

HONORARY STARTER--A VIP assigned by the Meet Director to physically activate the starting signal or fire the starting pistol. (OWS)

INDIVIDUAL SWIM--An individual unpaced and uncontested swim for time and/or distance, not normally considered to be part of a competitive race. Equivalent to a time trial or a record attempt against time in pool swimming. (OWS)

LEAD BOAT--The boat used as a course guide for the swimmers, usually following the course a short distance in front of the leading swimmer. (OWS)

NAVIGATIONAL AID--A device used to accurately measure and establish a course to be swum. (OWS)

NEOPRENE CAP--A swimming cap made of material that will eliminate or reduce the loss of body heat from the head. (OWS)

PACING--An attempt by a person not participating in the race to enter water with the intent of providing moral support or otherwise assisting a swimmer in setting the tempo of the race. (OWS)

PADDLER--A person on a paddle board or manually propelled craft who supports a swimmer or group of swimmers. (OWS)

SANCTIONING LSC--The Local Swim Committee that issues the sanction for an event. (OWS)

SAFETY AND MEDICAL EVACUATION PLANS--Written plans for the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or need for medical intervention. (OWS)

SUPPORT PERSONNEL--Persons in the swimmer’s escort craft who provide for feeding, navigating, coaching and other supporting activities for swimmer. (OWS)

TURN--A point on the course where the swimmers reverse or change direction of the swim. (OWS)

VENUE--Geographical area and environs where the swim is conducted. (OWS)

WAVE--The second or subsequent start used if the start area can not accommodate all contestants at the same time. (OWS)