OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES

Version 1.0 – Effective from March 2026

INTRODUCTION

These Official Competition Rules establish the framework governing participation in all Open Water Swimming events organized by S BODY AND MIND PRODUCTIONS LTD.

Their purpose is to ensure that every event is conducted safely, fairly and consistently while providing an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Every athlete, official, volunteer and member of the organizing team shares the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the competition and promoting the values of sportsmanship, respect, inclusion and athlete safety.

By registering for the event, every participant confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Official Competition Rules and agrees to comply with all decisions made by the Organizer and the Competition Officials.

GENERAL

It is the responsibility of every participant to read, understand and comply with all aspects of these Rules & Regulations before taking part in the competition.

By registering for the event, each swimmer confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Rules & Regulations, the specific rules applicable to the event organized by S BODY AND MIND PRODUCTIONS LTD (hereinafter referred to as "the Organizer"), together with the applicable Terms and Conditions of participation.

Each swimmer is responsible for ensuring that they are in good physical condition and have undertaken sufficient training to safely complete the race distance for which they have registered.

Doping is strictly prohibited. By registering for the event, each participant agrees to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, the applicable anti-doping legislation of the Republic of Cyprus, and any anti-doping regulations that may apply throughout the event.

Participants must comply at all times with the instructions and directions issued by race officials, safety personnel and any competent public authority.

Race officials have the authority to disqualify any participant who fails to comply with these Rules & Regulations. The Medical Team and/or the Race Director have the final authority to withdraw any competitor who, in their professional opinion, is physically incapable of safely continuing the race without risking serious injury or death.

Any participant who decides to withdraw from the race at any stage must immediately notify the nearest race official, lifeguard, safety kayak, rescue boat or the Information Point located at the finish area and must return their race number and/or timing chip as instructed.

Individual assistance inside the water from coaches, relatives, friends or any other unauthorized person is strictly prohibited. Competitors must immediately refuse any such assistance. Failure to do so may result in a warning or disqualification.

The Organizer is committed to promoting equal opportunity and inclusive participation. Athletes with certified physical, medical or cognitive conditions requiring assistance may apply for permission to compete with an authorized support swimmer. Such participation is subject to prior written approval by the Organizer.

The fundamental principles of the competition are fairness, integrity and respect for the Rules & Regulations. Participants shall not deliberately seek an unfair advantage or engage in conduct that obstructs, endangers or interferes with another competitor.

Competitors are expected to demonstrate respect and courtesy towards fellow athletes, volunteers, race officials, medical personnel and spectators at all times. Participants are also required to respect the natural environment and must refrain from any form of pollution or littering.

Any matter not specifically covered by these Rules & Regulations shall be decided by the Race Director and the Chief Referee, whose decisions shall be final and binding.

The Organizer reserves the right to amend, revise or update these Rules & Regulations at any time when considered necessary for safety, legal, operational or organizational reasons.

MODALITIES

The Organizer offers a variety of race formats designed to accommodate swimmers of different ages, abilities and experience levels.

Participants may register for one or more of the following events, subject to the eligibility requirements and the official Event Schedule.

5K RACE

An individual open water swimming race over a distance of approximately 5 kilometers, conducted under official competition rules with electronic timing and age-group classifications.

SPRINT RACE

An individual open water swimming race over a distance ranging from 1.5 km to 2 km, depending on the specific event.

The race is officially timed and forms part of the overall competition program.

YOUTH RACE

A competitive open water swimming event designed specifically for young athletes.

Race distances range from 500 meters to 750 meters, depending on the event and the participants' age group.

The Organizer reserves the right to divide the Youth Race into separate age groups whenever considered appropriate.

OPEN WATER RELAY

A relay competition consisting of three swimmers, with each team member completing one section of the course before the next swimmer begins.

Official Relay Categories are:

• Male Relay

• Female Relay

• Mixed Relay

Relay procedures, exchange rules and race distances will be described in the official Athlete Guide for each event.

The Organizer reserves the right to modify race distances, course layouts, relay formats, start procedures or any other operational aspect of the event whenever necessary for athlete safety, environmental conditions or operational requirements.

CATEGORIES

Athletes compete in age-group categories based on gender and calendar year of birth.

For all competitions organized by the Organizer, an athlete's competition category is determined exclusively by the calendar year of birth, regardless of the participant's exact date of birth.

This classification system ensures consistency, fairness and equal competition among all participants.

Competitors under the age of eighteen (18) must present written consent from a parent or legal guardian before collecting their race pack.

The Organizer reserves the right to verify the age and identity of any participant before or during the event.

OFFICIAL AGE GROUPS

Unless otherwise specified in the official Athlete Guide, the following age-group categories apply:

• Overall

• Junior U19

• Master 20–29

• Master 30–39

• Master 40–49

• Master 50–59

• Master 60–69

• Master 70+

The Organizer reserves the right to introduce additional age groups or combine existing categories whenever participation numbers or operational requirements make this appropriate.

INCLUSIVE CATEGORY

The Organizer believes that open water swimming should be accessible to everyone and is committed to providing equal opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

Athletes with permanent physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities are welcome to participate in the event alongside all other competitors, under the same race conditions and over the same course.

The Inclusive Category exists solely for classification and award purposes, where applicable, and does not constitute a separate race.

Participants in the Inclusive Category start together with the other competitors in their respective race and are subject to the same Rules & Regulations, technical requirements, cut-off times and safety procedures.

Where necessary, and subject to prior approval by the Organizer, reasonable accommodations may be authorized to ensure safe and equitable participation. These may include:

• an authorized support swimmer;

• a guide swimmer;

• additional safety assistance;

• other reasonable accommodations approved by the Organizer.

Any approved assistance must be intended exclusively to promote accessibility and athlete safety and must not provide an unfair competitive advantage.

The specific eligibility criteria, classification process and awards applicable to the Inclusive Category will be published in the official Athlete Guide for each event.

WETSUIT POLICY

The use of wetsuits during all races organized by the Organizer shall be determined according to the official water temperature measured on race day.

The official water temperature will be measured by the Organizer using appropriate equipment at a location and time determined by the Race Director.

The Race Director's decision regarding the official water temperature shall be final.

The following rules apply:

Water Temperature

Wetsuit Policy

Below 18°C

Wetsuit mandatory

18°C – 24°C

Wetsuit optional

Above 24°C

Wetsuit not permitted, unless otherwise decided by the Race Director for safety reasons

Only one wetsuit may be worn during the competition.

The use of multiple wetsuits or any garment designed to provide an unfair buoyancy or thermal advantage is prohibited.

Failure to comply with the applicable wetsuit policy may result in disqualification.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

For safety reasons, every participant must use the mandatory equipment specified by the Organizer.

Unless otherwise announced in the official Athlete Guide, the following equipment is compulsory:

• Official swim cap provided by the Organizer

• Personal safety buoy

• Official timing chip

• Swimming goggles

Additional mandatory equipment may be introduced where necessary due to weather conditions, water temperature or specific event requirements.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that all mandatory equipment is in good condition before the start of the race.

The Organizer reserves the right to inspect any equipment before or during the competition.

Any equipment considered unsafe or non-compliant may not be used.

PERSONAL SAFETY BUOY

The use of a personal safety buoy is mandatory in all race distances organized by the Organizer.

The safety buoy is an essential safety device and must remain securely attached to the swimmer throughout the entire race.

The buoy must:

• remain fully inflated throughout the race;

• be clearly visible;

• have a minimum deflated size of 41 cm × 31 cm;

• have an approximate inflated height of 30 cm;

• be attached using a tether measuring between 20 cm and 60 cm.

Black safety buoys are not permitted, as they reduce visibility in the water.

Crossing the finish line without the mandatory safety buoy, or intentionally removing it during the race, may result in disqualification.

TIMING CHIP

Every participant must wear the official timing chip throughout the race in accordance with the instructions provided during Athlete Check-in or the Technical Briefing.

Participants are responsible for returning the timing chip immediately after finishing the race.

Any participant who loses the timing chip during the competition must report the loss to the timing company or the Organizer as soon as possible after finishing.

Where applicable, participants may be charged the replacement cost of a lost timing chip.

RACE IDENTIFICATION

Every participant must display their official race identification as instructed by the Organizer.

Where wetsuits are permitted or mandatory, the participant's race number must appear on:

• the official safety buoy;

• both hands or wrists, using the official race marker or temporary tattoo;

• the official swim cap.

Where wetsuits are not permitted, the race number must appear on:

• the official safety buoy;

• both shoulders or both hands, as instructed by the Organizer.

Participants are responsible for removing any race numbers or identification markings from previous events before the start of the competition.

Where necessary, the Organizer will provide official markers to ensure that race numbers remain clearly visible.

PERMITTED EQUIPMENT

The following personal equipment may be used during the competition:

• Swimming goggles

• Nose clips

• Ear plugs

• Approved wetsuit (where permitted)

• GPS watches

• Sports watches

• Heart-rate monitors

Electronic devices may only be used provided they do not interfere with athlete safety or prevent participants from hearing official instructions or emergency signals.

PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT

Unless specifically authorized by the Race Director, participants shall not use any equipment that provides propulsion, flotation or any other unfair competitive advantage.

Prohibited equipment includes, but is not limited to:

• fins;

• monofins;

• snorkels;

• paddles;

• pull buoys;

• kickboards;

• flotation devices;

• propulsion devices.

The use of underwater music players, headphones or any device that may reduce a participant's awareness of official instructions or emergency signals is strictly prohibited.

Participants found using prohibited equipment may be disqualified.

CUT-OFF TIMES

Official cut-off times are established to ensure the safety of all participants and the efficient operation of the event.

Participants who fail to reach designated checkpoints or the finish line within the published cut-off times may be withdrawn from the race by the Race Director or the Safety Team.

Unless otherwise stated in the official Athlete Guide, the following cut-off times apply:

5K RACE

• 2.5 km Checkpoint: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Finish Line: 2 hours 30 minutes

SPRINT RACE

• Finish Line: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Organizer reserves the right to modify any cut-off time before or during the event if weather conditions, water conditions or any other safety considerations require such changes.

Any modification will be communicated through the official race briefing or by race officials.

The decision of the Race Director regarding cut-off times shall be final.

FEED STATIONS

Feed stations are provided exclusively for the race distances specified in the official Athlete Guide.

Unless otherwise announced, the following provisions apply:

5K RACE

One official feed station will be available during the race.

Sprint Race

No feed station will be provided.

The minimum supplies available at official feed stations include:

• Drinking water

• Bananas

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the number, location or available supplies of feed stations due to operational or environmental conditions.

Participants may only receive nutrition or hydration from official feed stations unless otherwise authorized by the Race Director.

Unauthorized external assistance may result in a time penalty or disqualification.

REGISTRATION

Registration is available exclusively through the Organizer's official registration platform.

A registration is considered valid only after:

• completion of the online registration process;

• acceptance of these Rules & Regulations;

• acceptance of the Event Waiver;

• full payment of the applicable registration fee.

Registration includes:

• participation in the selected race;

• official electronic timing;

• athlete safety coverage;

• race support before, during and after the event;

• refreshments as specified by the Organizer;

• official race results.

The Organizer reserves the right to limit the number of participants in any race.

Registration may close before the published deadline once the maximum participation limit has been reached.

REGISTRATION CHANGES

Participants may request changes to their registration subject to the deadlines published for each event.

Permitted changes may include:

• correction of personal information;

• transfer of registration to another participant;

• race distance upgrade;

• race distance downgrade.

Requests to update personal information, excluding the participant's name, may be submitted up to one (1) month before the event.

Participant transfers are permitted until one (1) month before the event and are subject to an administrative fee of €15.00.

Race distance upgrades are permitted upon payment of the applicable fee difference.

Race distance downgrades are permitted but do not entitle the participant to any refund.

Registrations may not be transferred to another event unless specifically authorised by the Organizer.

Competing under another participant's identity or race number is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.

ELIGIBILITY & IDENTIFICATION

Participants must present one of the following valid identification documents during Athlete Check-in:

• National Identity Card

• Passport

• Driving License

All participants must sign the official Event Waiver before collecting their race pack.

Participants under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during Athlete Check-in.

The Organizer reserves the right to refuse participation where the required documentation has not been provided.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

By completing their registration, participants acknowledge and agree that they:

• have read and accepted these Rules & Regulations;

• are medically fit to participate;

• possess the swimming ability required for the selected race distance;

• understand the risks associated with open water swimming;

• will comply with all instructions issued by race officials;

• will remain available throughout the official event program, including Athlete Check-in, Technical Briefing and any revised race schedule.

Participants acknowledge that open water events are subject to changing environmental and operational conditions.

The Organizer reserves the right to modify the event schedule, race format or start times whenever necessary in the interest of participant safety.

SAFETY

The safety of all participants is the highest priority of the Organizer and shall take precedence over all competitive considerations.

A comprehensive safety plan will be implemented for every event and may include, but is not limited to:

• certified lifeguards;

• rescue boats;

• safety kayaks and paddleboards;

• medical personnel;

• first aid stations;

• emergency response vehicles;

• communication systems between race officials and safety teams.

Participants must comply immediately with any instruction issued by the Race Director, Chief Referee, Medical Team, lifeguards, safety kayakers, rescue boat crews or any authorized race official.

Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in penalties, disqualification or removal from the event.

ATHLETE SAFETY DURING THE RACE

During the race, participants will be continuously monitored by the Organizer's Safety Team.

Safety personnel are authorized to approach, assess and assist any participant whenever they consider it necessary.

Participants who require assistance should immediately attract the attention of the nearest safety official by raising one arm above their head and clearly communicating that assistance is required.

Receiving assistance from the official Safety Team does not automatically result in disqualification. The Race Director and Chief Referee will determine whether the participant may continue the race or must be withdrawn.

If, in the opinion of the Medical Team or the Safety Team, a participant is unable to continue safely, that participant will be withdrawn from the race immediately.

Such decisions are made exclusively in the interest of athlete safety and are final.

ATHLETE WITHDRAWAL

A participant may voluntarily withdraw from the race at any time.

Any participant who decides to withdraw must immediately notify the nearest:

• Race Official;

• Lifeguard;

• Safety Kayaker;

• Rescue Boat;

• Medical Team member;

• Information Point at the finish area.

Participants must never leave the race course or the venue without informing the Organizer.

Failure to report a withdrawal may trigger emergency search procedures and unnecessary deployment of rescue resources.

The Organizer reserves the right to recover any costs arising from emergency operations initiated as a result of a participant's failure to report their withdrawal, where permitted by applicable law.

MEDICAL AUTHORITY

The official Medical Team has full authority to assess the medical condition of any participant before, during or after the race.

The Medical Team may:

• refuse a participant permission to start;

• temporarily suspend participation;

• permanently withdraw a participant from the race;

• require immediate medical treatment or evacuation.

Medical decisions are made solely in the interest of athlete safety.

Any decision made by the Medical Team concerning an athlete's ability to continue the race shall be final and may not be appealed.

RACE DIRECTOR AUTHORITY

The Race Director has overall authority for the conduct of the event.

In the interest of participant safety or the proper operation of the competition, the Race Director may, at any time:

• delay the start;

• suspend the race;

• restart the race;

• shorten the race distance;

• modify the race course;

• change the start procedure;

• alter the cut-off times;

• reduce or increase the number of laps;

• cancel any race or part of the event.

Such decisions may be taken before or during the event without prior notice whenever circumstances require immediate action.

The Race Director's decision on operational and safety matters shall be final.

DISQUALIFICATION

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates these Rules & Regulations.

Reasons for disqualification include, but are not limited to:

• unsportsmanlike conduct;

• abusive, offensive or threatening behavior;

• failure to follow official instructions;

• use of prohibited equipment;

• receiving unauthorized assistance;

• missing mandatory turning buoys;

• exceeding official cut-off times;

• competing under another participant's identity;

• intentionally obstructing another participant;

• deliberate interference with race officials or volunteers;

• behavior that places the participant or others at risk.

Disqualification may occur before, during or after the race.

Where appropriate, the Organizer reserves the right to remove a participant from future events.

OFFICIALS

The Organizer appoints qualified officials responsible for ensuring the safe and fair conduct of the event.

These officials include, but are not limited to:

• Race Director;

• Chief Referee;

• Assistant Referees;

• Course Officials;

• Water Safety Team;

• Medical Team;

• Timing Officials.

All official decisions relating to safety, competition management and rule interpretation shall be respected by participants.

Failure to comply with the instructions of any authorized official may result in penalties or disqualification.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Every participant is expected to compete with honesty, integrity and respect.

Participants shall:

• respect fellow competitors;

• respect race officials and volunteers;

• respect the local community and the natural environment;

• avoid any behavior that could endanger themselves or others.

The Organizer promotes fair play, mutual respect and inclusion.

Any behavior considered inconsistent with these principles may result in disciplinary action.

RACE RESULTS

Official race timing is provided using an electronic timing system approved by the Organizer.

Preliminary results will be published as soon as reasonably possible following the completion of each race.

Participants are responsible for reviewing their results and notifying the Organizer of any discrepancy within the published protest period.

Unless otherwise stated in the official Athlete Guide, preliminary results shall remain provisional for 24 hours following publication.

After this period, the results shall become official and final.

The Organizer reserves the right to correct clerical, timing or classification errors at any time before the results become official.

AWARDS

Awards will be presented in accordance with the categories published in the Official Event Guide.

Only participants who complete the full course in accordance with these Competition Rules shall be eligible for awards.

The Organizer reserves the right to withhold awards where a participant is subsequently disqualified.

PROTESTS

Any protest concerning race results, rule interpretation or another participant must be submitted in writing to the Chief Referee within the published protest period.

The decision of the Chief Referee shall be final.

No protest concerning the same matter may be submitted more than once.

EVENT MODIFICATION & CANCELLATION

The Organizer reserves the right to delay, suspend, modify, shorten or cancel any race whenever athlete safety, environmental conditions or operational circumstances make such action necessary.

Such decisions may result from, but are not limited to:

• adverse weather conditions;

• rough sea conditions;

• poor water quality;

• reduced visibility;

• strong currents;

• public safety concerns;

• instructions from competent authorities;

• any circumstance that may compromise the safety of participants.

The Organizer will make every reasonable effort to communicate any modification as early as possible.

The decision of the Race Director regarding any event modification shall be final.

FORCE MAJEURE

The Organizer shall not be held liable for any delay, modification or cancellation resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Force Majeure includes, but is not limited to:

• extreme weather conditions;

• natural disasters;

• fire;

• flooding;

• earthquakes;

• epidemics or pandemics;

• acts of terrorism;

• civil unrest;

• government restrictions;

• public health emergencies;

• war;

• strikes;

• failures of public infrastructure;

• any other event that makes the safe organization of the event impossible or impracticable.

In such circumstances, the Organizer may postpone, modify or cancel the event without liability for any indirect or consequential loss.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Registration fees are subject to the official Cancellation Policy published for each event.

Unless otherwise specified:

• registration transfers are permitted up to one (1) month before the event and are subject to an administrative fee of €15

• requests for a full refund may be submitted within 15 days of the original registration, provided the event is more than 30 days away

• a free transfer to the following year's event may be requested up to 30 days before the event;

• no refunds shall be issued within 30 days of the event.

Should the event be postponed, participants will automatically be transferred to the new event date unless otherwise instructed by the Organizer.

Where an event has already commenced and is subsequently suspended or cancelled for safety reasons, the event shall be deemed to have taken place and no refund or compensation shall be payable.

PERSONAL DATA

The Organizer collects and processes personal data solely for purposes related to the administration, operation and promotion of the event.

Personal data may be used for:

• participant registration

• race administration

• timing and results

• safety management

• participant communications

• event photography and media

• marketing communications, where consent has been provided.

Personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and the Protection of Natural Persons with regard to the Processing of Personal Data Law of Cyprus (Law 125(I)/2018), as amended.

Participants may request access to, correction or deletion of their personal data in accordance with applicable legislation.

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA

By participating in the event, participants acknowledge that official photographers, television crews, drones and other media representatives may be present throughout the venue.

Participants grant the Organizer the irrevocable right to photograph, film, record and otherwise capture their image, voice, name and race participation for promotional, educational, editorial and commercial purposes without additional compensation.

All photographs, video recordings and other media created during the event shall remain the exclusive property of the Organizer.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

By completing the registration process, every participant confirms that they have carefully read, understood and accepted these Rules & Regulations.

Each participant acknowledges that open water swimming is an endurance sport involving inherent risks, including, but not limited to, drowning, cardiac events, hypothermia, hyperthermia, fatigue, dehydration, adverse weather conditions, currents, waves, marine life, collisions, equipment failure and other foreseeable or unforeseeable hazards that may result in serious injury or death.

Participants declare that they are medically fit, adequately trained and capable of safely completing the selected race distance.

Participants further acknowledge that they are solely responsible for their own health and wellbeing before, during and after the event.

The Organizer strongly recommends that participants consult a medical professional prior to participating.

Participants agree to comply with all instructions issued by race officials, the Medical Team and the Safety Team.

The Organizer reserves the right to refuse participation or withdraw any participant whenever this is considered necessary for safety reasons.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants release and hold harmless S BODY AND MIND PRODUCTIONS LTD, its directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors and partners from any claim arising out of their participation in the event, except where liability results from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All event names, logos, trademarks, course maps, publications, photographs, videos, graphics and other official content remain the exclusive property of the Organizer unless otherwise stated.

Participants may not reproduce, distribute or commercially exploit any official event material without the prior written consent of the Organizer.

GOVERNING LAW

These Rules & Regulations shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Cyprus.

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Rules & Regulations or participation in the event shall fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Republic of Cyprus.

FINAL PROVISIONS

Participation in any event organized by S BODY AND MIND PRODUCTIONS LTD constitutes full acceptance of these Rules & Regulations.

Should any provision of these Rules & Regulations be declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

These Rules & Regulations constitute the entire agreement between the Organizer and the participant concerning participation in the event and supersede any previous versions or conflicting documents.

The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Rules & Regulations at any time. The latest published version shall always prevail.

OUR COMMITMENT

At S BODY AND MIND PRODUCTIONS LTD, we believe that open water swimming is more than a competition.

It is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, respect one another, protect the marine environment and celebrate the spirit of sport.

We are committed to delivering safe, fair and memorable events where every participant is welcomed, respected and encouraged to achieve their personal best.

We look forward to welcoming you to the starting line.

Swim safe. Swim fair. Enjoy the journey.