Pacific Swim Co. Booking Contract – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Effective Date: September 1, 2024 (Updated for Agreement v4.2.6f0)
This summary is for informational purposes only. The Booking Contract is the legally binding document.
1. What is the purpose of this agreement?
This agreement governs your participation in swim activities with Pacific Swim Co. It outlines your rights, responsibilities, safety requirements, and the risks you accept when booking or participating.
2. Who does this agreement apply to?
The agreement applies to anyone taking part in a swim, including Swimmers, Sponsored Swimmers, and Guests—whether named or unnamed at the time of booking.
3. How is a booking confirmed?
A booking is confirmed once you sign the agreement, make payment, or are allowed to join a Swim by Pacific Swim Co. Bookings are only valid for the named Swimmer and cannot be transferred without written approval.
4. Can I book on behalf of someone else?
Yes. If you book on behalf of others, you must have the authority to accept the agreement on their behalf and are responsible for communicating all terms to them.
5. What are my responsibilities as a participant?
You are responsible for ensuring your fitness, preparation, and readiness. You must follow all safety procedures, use freestyle as your primary stroke, and adhere to our rules, instructions, and operational briefings.
6. What medical information do I need to provide?
Medical disclosures are required if requested. Pregnant participants must follow additional protocols. If medical information is not provided by the stated deadline, your swim may be canceled.
7. What safety protocols must I follow?
You must follow all instructions provided by the vessel captain and crew. Required procedures include:
- Using the “Is the boat in neutral?” confirmation before entering or reboarding.
- Avoiding swimming behind a moving vessel at any time.
- Using additional procedures and safety protocols discussed at our safety briefings. Failure to follow safety protocols may result in removal from the Swim without a refund.
8. What are the real risks of participating?
This is open water swimming in San Francisco Bay. Risks include—but are not limited to—hypothermia, drowning, vessel strike, SIPE (Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema), collisions with other vessels, lacerations, exhaustion, disorientation, dehydration, cold incapacitation, sudden weather changes, rough water, shipping traffic, and equipment failure. Swims occur in an uncontrolled maritime environment. There are no lifeguards on duty, and you are solely responsible for your own safety once you enter the water.
9. Am I guaranteed to complete the swim?
No. You may be required to exit the water if conditions change, if you fall behind, or if maximum duration is exceeded. The Swim may be considered complete even if the full course is not finished.
10. Can I modify or cancel my booking?
Modification and cancellation policies, including optional protections such as the Cancel for Any Reason Plan, are governed strictly by the terms of the Booking Contract. Please refer to the full agreement for applicable procedures and conditions.
11. What if Pacific Swim Co. postpones or cancels my swim?
Swims may be postponed or canceled due to weather, fog, vessel issues, air quality, safety concerns, or other operational risks. Please refer to the agreement for remedies available.
12. What happens if I arrive late or miss the safety briefing?
Late arrival may be treated as a cancellation. Missing the mandatory safety briefing results in forfeiture of the Swim with no entitlement to refund or rescheduling.
13. Can I continue past the scheduled duration of the swim?
If mutually agreed, and conditions allow, swim extensions may be possible for an additional fee. Otherwise, the Swim is considered complete at the end of the maximum duration as determined by Pacific Swim Co.
14. Are there age restrictions?
Participants must be at least 18 to book. Minors may be permitted with advance approval and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
15. What can I bring on the boat?
Each participant may bring one soft-sided bag and up to two soft containers for feeds. Hard-sided luggage or coolers are prohibited. Waterproofing your items is strongly advised. You are responsible for your belongings.
16. What are the rules for vouchers?
Vouchers may be issued or applied under certain conditions. They are not refundable and do not guarantee future availability. See the Booking Contract for complete terms.
17. What is expected of me during a marathon or long training swim?
Swimmers must manage their own pacing, feeds, and safety with support from their designated crew. The crew is responsible for delivering feeds, monitoring the swimmer’s condition, and adhering to safety protocols. Pacific Swim Co. provides escort services only and does not serve as a personal crew.
Disclaimer:
This FAQ is a summary only. All participants are bound by the full Booking Contract. In case of any conflict, ambiguity, or discrepancy, the language of the Booking Contract shall control.