1. Am I eligible to swim in open water with the TRIbe?

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To join our lake swims, you should be able to swim at least 500 meters continuously in a deep pool (6ft or more).​

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2. I’m new to open water swimming — will I be okay?

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Absolutely! Many of us started just like you. The TRIbe is a warm, welcoming community, and our safety team ensures all swimmers feel secure and supported.​

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3. How often do you organize swims?

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We organize swims on alternate Sundays each month. The full calendar is available on our website and shared on our WhatsApp community.

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4. When and where are event tickets published?

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We publish swim event registration links on the WhatsApp group and our website during the week of the event, usually on Tuesdays.

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5. Do I need to register separately for each swim?

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Yes. Each swim event requires a separate registration and payment.

 

6. What is the ticket refund or transfer policy?

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Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a different lake swim event, even if held at the same location. However, suppose you’re unable to attend the event you’ve registered for. In that case, you may transfer your ticket to another swimmer for that same event by posting on the WhatsApp group—provided someone is ready to take your spot.

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7. What should I bring for the swim?​

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- Tow float (mandatory)
- Bright-coloured swim cap (red, yellow, orange, fluorescent shades) for visibility. Avoid dark colours.
- Goggles, swimsuit, towel, flip-flops
- Sunscreen, hydration (water or electrolyte)
- Optional: light snacks or post-swim fuel​

 

8. What is a tow float and what is your policy on using it?

 

A tow float is a lightweight, inflatable safety device that swimmers attach to their waist so it floats behind them while swimming. It helps increase visibility in open water, making swimmers easier to spot by safety teams, boats, and fellow swimmers. Many tow floats also come with a dry bag compartment to carry hydration, nutrition, or small personal items.

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At Openwater Swim TRIbe, tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers, regardless of skill level. This No Tow Float, No Swim policy is in place to ensure the highest safety standards and is in line with most open water swim event requirements.

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If you don’t have one, a few tow floats are available for rent at the venue.
 

9. Is it safe to swim in a lake?

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Yes. Our events are supported by a trained safety crew including kayak support, experienced open water swimmers, and certified open water lifeguards.

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10. Are there crocodiles or dangerous animals in the lake?

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No. We’ve been swimming at these lakes for over 2 years without incident. Our team actively monitors and assesses lake safety.

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11. Is the lake water safe in terms of quality?

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Yes, while the lakes are natural water bodies, our regular swimmers have not had any issues, and we only host swims in water deemed reasonably safe.

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12. Are there changing rooms or washrooms at the lake?

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Yes, there are a few functional washrooms at the venue for you to change before or after your swim.

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13. Is first aid available at the event?

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Yes. We have first aid kits available, and most of our support crew are First Aid and CPR trained and certified.

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14. Can I rent swim gear at the venue?

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Only tow floats are available for rent in limited numbers. Please bring your own swim gear like cap, goggles, and swimsuit.

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15. How do I reach the lake venue?

 

We share a location pin with each event. We encourage carpooling — feel free to message in the WhatsApp group to coordinate rides.

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16. Can I bring friends or family to watch?

 

Yes! Friends and family are welcome to watch and cheer from the shore. However, only registered participants can swim.

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17. Are pets allowed?

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Yes, we’re pet-friendly, as long as your pet is well-behaved and doesn’t cause discomfort to other swimmers.

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18. Do you offer coaching or swim training?

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Yes. The TRIbe includes certified open water swim coaches who can offer guidance. We also recommend our AI-driven assistant, the Openwater Swim Mentor GPT, available 24/7 to help you with training plans, safety tips, and more.

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