GROUP SWIMS

Note: We are still negotiating terms with the quarry at Runaway Bay. For now, swim workouts will only take place at Alum Creek. Please refrain from going to the quarry as this will negatively impact our negotiations.

Mondays - 6:00 p.m.
(May - August, weather permitting. Check the Yahoo group or calendar for specific dates.)

New for 2011! Two options for Monday night swims! Due to popular demand, we will be running two simultaneous swim sessions this season. The Quarry swims will continue unchanged but Lauren Updyke will be leading group swims at Alum Creek as well.

Which location should I go to?
Beside offering two convenient locations, each spot offers unique characteristics. It's not a bad idea to check out both locations.

The quarry offers a great large area of clear, calm water. We have a few routes picked to offer anywhere from 400 meters or so all the way up to 1.2 miles. We've been swimming at the quarry for a while and have a good group of established regulars.

Alum creek with it's "beach" offers two features that the quarry does not have. First, if you are new to swimming and perhaps a little nervous, you can swim close enough into the shore where you will be able to stand if needed. Additionally, you can practice running out of the water. It is also home to many local triathlons so it is good to get a little practice here.

Where to meet
The quarry - Meet at visitor's parking area of Runaway Bay apartments. The gate at Runaway Bay is only open during office hours (9:30am - 6:00pm). Please arrive before 6:00pm so you can get in. Wait in the parking area and we will all walk down the the water together.

Alum Creek - Meet in the first parking lot to sign in. Everyone will walk down to the water together.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SWIMS

  • COTT-sponsored open water swims are Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
  • Anyone participating in COTT swims must sign a waiver.
  • All members swimming as part of Monday night group swims must sign in and out.
  • No one under 18 can swim with the group unless a parent is in the water with them.
  • There is an inherit risk to open water swimming and members are encouraged to wear a wet suit or bring a noodle/other floating device.
  • Wearing a bright-colored swim cap is also preferred.
  • Group swim cancelation will be made by 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.

RUNAWAY BAY GUIDELINES

  • The gate at Runaway Bay is only open during office hours (9:30am - 6:00pm). Please arrive before 6:00pm so you can get in.
  • Parking: turn left after entering the complex gates, turn left again and park near the large recycling container. Do not park in any other area of the apartment complex.
  • To respect residents, members should always access the quarry via this route: turn right out of the parking lot and stay on Runaway Bay Drive, then turn left at Bay Shore Drive. Take this to the bottom of the hill and access the water via the ramp.

CONTACTS

COTT swim coordinators are:
(Quarry)
(Alum Creek)