Sea of Galilee Swim
From Openwaterpedia
Sea of Galilee Swim is the largest amateur sports event in Israel and has been held 58 years. Held in the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret) in northern Israel, the annual event commemorates the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and goes from Ein Gev to the finish in Tiberias.
In addition to the amateur heats, there are three competitive heats. Swimmers in the amateur heats may depart anytime between 7-9 am:
Short amateur heat – From Maagan beach to Zemach beach – 1.5 km Long amateur heat – From Ha’on beach to Zemach beach – 3.5 km
The competitive heats include 1.5 km, 3 km or 6 km that start at Zemach Beach. Only swimmers in these heats will be timed.
In a nod to safety for the thousands of athletes who participate in the event, insurance and an ergonometric test are required. Additionally, boats and rafts are stationed every a few hundred meters along the route. If swimmers get tired, they can climb onto the watercraft for a brief rest and continue when they are ready.
Because of the large crowds expected, a special bus service operates between 7-9 am to take swimmers from the check-in area at Zemach Beach to the starting points for the swim events at Maagan and Ha’on.
Contact
Name Ben-dror Ornit [ornitbd@bezeqint.net]
Email ornitbd@bezeqint.net
